Bekker, Elizabeth (1738–1804)
Bekker, Elizabeth (1738–1804)
Dutch novelist. Name variations: Elisabeth Bekker; Elizabeth Betjen Wolff; Elizabeth Wolff-Bekker; Betje Wolff. Born at Vlissingen, northern Netherlands, July 24, 1738; died in The Hague, Nov 5, 1804; m. Adriaan Wolff (Reformed cleric at Beemster), 1759 (died 1777).
Daughter of Calvinist merchants, entered into a theoretical marriage with Adriaan Wolff, a vicar 31 years her senior; writing debut (1763) consisted of poetry of moral contemplation, though her later poetry became satirical; after husband's death (1777), began to write with her close companion Aagje Deken; while living in Burgundy with Deken, was exposed to some of the dangers of the Revolution, and is said to have escaped the guillotine only by her presence of mind; lived with Deken for nearly 30 years before her death (Deken died 9 days later).