Sophie Halberstadt-Freud

Sophie Halberstadt-Freud was the fifth child of Sigmund and Martha Freud. Born 12 April 1893, she was considered her mother’s favourite and was admired dearly by her father, whom he called ‘Sunday’s Child’. In July 1912, Sophie announced her engagement to photographer Max Halberstadt. Her father did not prevent the marriage although he was not enthusiastic about it, as Halberstadt was not wealthy nor overly ambitious. The couple, very much in love, married on 14 January 1913.

One year later Sophie gave birth to her first child, Ernst, and at the end of 1918 their second child Heinz (or ‘Heinele’) was born. In late 1919, Sophie - now living in Hamburg, Germany - wrote to her father announcing an unwanted third pregnancy. He wrote back to her: ‘If you think the news will make me angry or dismayed, then you’re wrong. Accept this baby, don’t be disappointed. In a few days, you’ll receive some money which has come from my latest work.’

In January 1920, Sophie was admitted to hospital with Spanish Flu. Sigmund and Martha Freud tried to book a train to Hamburg but it was impossible. Within five days, Sophie and her unborn child died due to an infection from the disease. Tragedy struck again in June 1923 when Sophie’s youngest son Heinele died of tuberculosis. Freud was never able to fully accept these losses. Writing to Ernest Jones in 1928, Freud felt, ‘tired of life permanently’.