German poet and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born on August 28, 1749 in Frankfurt. From an early age, he was known to have a deep interest in the arts and dabbled in drawing before discovering his love for literature while reading works by German poet Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock and Greek author Homer. In this photo, a drawing depicting German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is displayed in the Antico Caffe Greco, in Via dei Condotti, central Rome on January 15, 2018. Photo: AFP

After spending his childhood in Frankfurt, Goethe studied in Leipzig and Strasbourg before finally moving to Weimar in 1775 till the end of his life. He was invited to Weimar by Karl August, the Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. August, who eventually became the Grand Duke, knew about Goethe’s works including the popularity of ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’ (1775). The poet also acted as his chief adviser. In this photo, a view of the house of German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe taken on January 14, 2019, in Weimar. Photo: AFP 

The German poet and playwright was also inspired by the artistic forms of Italy and it is what led him to visit Sicily between 1786 and 1788. In fact, Goethe went on to publish a non-fiction work about his brief time on the Italian island called ‘Italian Journey’ (1816-1817). The visit also inspired German painter JHW Tischbein to depict Goethe’s travels in a painting titled ‘Goethe in the Roman Campagna’ (1787). In this photo, German artist J H W Tischbein’s painting titled 'Goethe in the Roman Campagna, 1787' is displayed at the "Germany: Memories of a Nation" exhibition at the British Museum in London on October 15, 2014. Photo: AFP

In 1791, Goethe expressed his appreciation for Kalidasa’s play ‘Shakuntala’, in the form of a poem, which made it really popular in Germany at the time. The poem was translated from German to English by EB Eastwick. Goethe, who went on to read Kalidasa’s ‘Meghduta’, even learnt Sanskrit. In this photo, a view of the National Theatre in Weimar, featuring statues of German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (L) and German poet Friedrich Schiller, taken on January 14, 2019. Photo: AFP

Some of Goethe's most famous works include the novels ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’ (1774) and Wilhelm Meister's ‘Apprenticeship’ (1795-1976). Before he moved to Weimar, it was his drama ‘Götz von Berlichingen’ (1773), which was really popular. He is also known for the tragic play ‘Faust’ (1790). In this photo, artists perform in Jules Massenet's 'Werther', an opera inspired by Goethe, on April 28, 2009, at the Rhin opera house, in Strasbourg, eastern France, during a rehearsal. Photo: AFP

Owing to his contributions to German culture and his love for Indian texts, Germany’s culture institute named after Goethe is present in many cities in the country including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and more. In Mumbai, the institute was started in 1969 and has been present for over 50 years. In this photo, the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan in Mumbai in 2019. Photo: Ashish Raje/Mid-day