Devrient

Devrient, a family of German actors, of whom the most talented was Ludwig Devrient (1784–1832), distinguished both in comedy and in tragedy, and especially noteworthy as an exponent of Shakespearian characters.—His nephew, Carl August (1797–1872), the eldest of the brothers Devrient, played lovers' parts, and was the husband of the diva, Madame Schröder-Devrient (1805–60).—Philipp Eduard (1801–77), the second brother, was a delightful baritone singer in the early part of the century, and afterwards became a painstaking, though not a great actor. He was the author of a number of plays, and of the valuable Geschichte der deutschen Schauspielkunst (Leip. 5 vols. 1848–74); and with his son Otto (1838–94) he prepared an edition of Shakespeare.—Gustav Emil (1803–72), the youngest and most gifted of the three brothers, was most successful in tragic and emotional parts, and became identified in Germany with such characters as Hamlet, Tasso, and especially Posa.