Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (November 10, 1759 – May 9, 1805) is a German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright.

During the last seventeen years of his life (1788–1805), Schiller strikes up a productive, if complicated, friendship with the already famous and influential Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

They frequently discuss issues concerning aesthetics, and Schiller encourages Goethe to finish works he has left as sketches.

This relationship and these discussions lead to a period now referred to as Weimar Classicism.

They also work together on Xenien, a collection of short satirical poems in which both Schiller and Goethe challenge opponents to their philosophical vision.