Hedvig Ibsen
The basics
Quick facts
Gender:
Female
Birth:
15 November 1831
Death:
15 June 1920
Family:
Mother:
Marichen Altenburg
Father:
Knud Ibsen
Children:
Carl Stousland
The details
Biography
Introduction
Hedvig Cathrine Ibsen (married name: Hedvig Stousland; 15 November 1831 in Skien - 15 June 1920 in Skien) was the sister of playwright Henrik Ibsen.
Life
Hedvig was the sister with whom Ibsen was particularly close during their childhood. She was the daughter of Knud Ibsen and Marichen Altenburg, in a wealthy family whose fortunes were eventually ruined by Knud Ibsen's bankruptcy.
Influence on Henrik Ibsen
Hedvig was named for her maternal grandmother, Hedevig Paus. The character Hedvig in The Wild Duck is widely believed to be named for her and/or her grandmother.
Marriage
She married ship's captain Jacob Stousland, and was the mother of merchant and politician Carl Stousland (1860–1941), who served as a Member of Parliament for Skien and as the Mayor of Skien.