Agnes von Kurowsky

Agnes von Kurowsky in Milan

Agnes von Kurowsky Stanfield (January 5, 1892 – November 17, 1984) was an American nurse best known for her role as a caretaker during World War I and her association with the American writer Ernest Hemingway. Her relationship with Hemingway has been immortalized through his semi-autobiographical novel A Farewell to Arms, where she served as the inspiration for the character Catherine Barkley.

Early Life

Agnes von Kurowsky was born in Washington, D.C., to a German-American family. Little is known about her early life before she embarked on a nursing career. In 1917, as the United States entered World War I, Kurowsky volunteered to serve in the American Red Cross and was assigned to a hospital in Milan, Italy, to care for the wounded soldiers.

World War I Service

During her service in Milan, Kurowsky met a young Ernest Hemingway, who was then an ambulance driver for the Red Cross. Hemingway was severely wounded and was brought to the hospital where Kurowsky worked. She played a significant role in his recovery, and during this time, they developed a romantic relationship. However, their relationship did not last beyond the war. In 1919, Kurowsky ended their relationship through a letter, an event that deeply affected Hemingway and influenced much of his later writing.

Later Life

After the war, Kurowsky continued her nursing career. She worked in various locations, including Florida, Haiti, and New York City. In 1928, she married William Stanfield, a widower with three children, but the marriage ended in divorce. She later married Colonel Howard Greene in 1938, with whom she lived until his death.

Legacy

Agnes von Kurowsky's relationship with Ernest Hemingway has been a subject of interest for both literary scholars and historians. Her influence on Hemingway's development as a writer is notable, particularly in the portrayal of the character Catherine Barkley in A Farewell to Arms. Her life and relationship with Hemingway were also depicted in the 1996 film In Love and War, highlighting her impact on Hemingway's life and works.

Death

Agnes von Kurowsky died on November 17, 1984, in Winter Park, Florida, at the age of 92. Her contributions to nursing during World War I and her influence on American literature through her connection with Ernest Hemingway remain significant aspects of her legacy.