Bertuch (1747 – 1822) was born in Weimar where he also died. His mother died when he was 5 years old and his father died when he was 15 years old. He was, therefore, raised by his uncle. He studied theology between 1765 and 1769, and later on studied law at the State University in Jena. His main interests were the natural sciences and literature but he studied law anyway. Bertuch finished his studies early when he was just 22 years old. After finishing his studies he worked at "Gut Dobische" as a tutor under Ludwig Bachoff Heinrich von Echt, the Baron who taught him Spanish. His works are very easy to recognize because he developed a unique style of producing them. Bertuch was very keen to detail and that’s what he was mainly known for and made him to gain much respect among his peers and clients.
In Weimar, he administrated the private finances of the Duke until 1796. He also took other roles within state office. Bertuch worked for Christoph Martin Wieland’s newspaper as a commercial employee, and he attempted to launch himself as a freelance writer. However, he achieved more success as a publisher, translator, organizer and businessman. A high level of social engagement and the ideas of the Enlightenment shaped his activities. In 1774, the artist came up with an idea of a drawing school in which learners would be supported according to their abilities and talents, rather than their social background. Heinrich Johann Meyer made this idea to become a reality and later the school was run by Goethe.
