MULLER, FRIEDRICH

born Jan. 13, 1749, Kreuznach, Palatinate died April 23, 1825, Rome byname Maler (Painter) Mller German poet, dramatist, and painter who is best known for his slightly sentimental prose idylls on country life. After studying painting at Zweibrcken, Mller was appointed court painter at Mannheim (1777) but left the next year for Italy. He abandoned painting soon after his arrival and devoted himself to the history of art. He remained in Italy until his death. The years 177478 were primarily devoted to literature, and his writing shows the influence of the Sturm und Drang movement of young literary rebels. His principal works include Niobe (1778), a lyric drama; Fausts Leben dramatisiert (1778); Golo und Genoveva (begun 1776; published 1811), a skillful imitation of Goethe's Gtz von Berlichingen; and the idylls Die Schafschur (1775) and Das Nusskernen (1811), reproducing scenes, some satirical, from German peasant life.