It’s the quiet and, perhaps, the wonderful scenery; I mean, its quiet seriousness.
Wittgenstein to G.E. Moore
Skjolden at the end of the 19th century. Photo: Knud Knudsen; © University of Bergen
Wittgenstein’s house in Skjolden, reconstructed in 2019. © Wittgenstein Initiative
Wittgenstein designed the house in the spring of 1914, for his next stay in Skjolden. In the meantime, World War I broke out and so he could not visit Skjolden again until the 1920s and use the house himself. He spent there long periods again in the 1930s and in 1950.
Dear Sir:
Forgive me for asking you for a big favour. I should like to transfer a sum of 100.000 crowns to you with the request that you distribute this sum, at your own discretion, among Austrian artists who are without means. I am turning to you in this matter since I assume that you are acquainted with many of our best talents and know which of them are most in need of support. Should you care to fulfil my request, please write to me at the above address, but in any event, please keep this matter secret for the time being.
Very truly yours,
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Jr.
Among the recipients chosen by Ludwig von Ficker were Georg Trakl, Rainer-Maria Rilke, Adolf Loos and Oskar Kokoschka.