Friedrich Wilhelm Müller

(Kirchditmold 1801–1889)
Jacob and Rachel at the Well, signed (in ligature), dated F. Müller 1829, oil on canvas, 72 x 101 cm, framed, (Rei)

Catalogued in:
Friedrich von Boetticher, Malerwerke des 19. Jahrhunderts, Hofheim am Taunus 1979, vol. II, 1, p. 97/98, no. 4.

Friedrich Wilhelm Müller, born in Kassel, took his first steps as a budding painter in Paris and Rome. The focus of his early work was historical and landscape painting, and in particular the combination of these two genres. In 1827 he was recalled to Kassel for the first time in order to take on larger contracts for the residence of the electors (Residenzschloss). This project foundered following some preliminary work, however, upon which point Müller returned to Rome. In 1832 he was recalled to Kassel once again, but this time in the role of professor at the Academy of Fine Arts. Müller returned definitively to his home town and was able to establish himself as an artist and secondary school teacher. He operated close to the court, which provided the customer base for his works of art. Historical painting was the life-long focus of his work.