The New International Encyclopædia/Matthisson, Friedrich von

MATTHISSON, mät′tē̇-sō̇n, Friedrich von (1761-1831). A German lyric poet, born at Hohendodeleben, January 23, 1761; he died at Wörlitz, March 12, 1831. Trained for the ministry at Halle, he supported himself by teaching till appointed (1794) reader to the Princess of Anhalt-Dessau, with whom he traveled in Switzerland, Tyrol, and Italy. On her death (1811) he was attached to the Court of Württemberg, and resided for some time in Italy. His prose is mediocre, his verse melodious and graceful, especially in rural description, but never strong. Matthisson's Schriften, as finally revised by the author, came out in 8 vols. (Zurich, 1825-29). Vol. ix. (1833) contains a biography by Döring.