what did poe mean by this?

Question

in regard to short stories?
"A painter would note their leading or predominant feature, and style it repose."

Answer 1

Since Poe, besides his own authorship of poems and short stories, was also a literary critic; in this instance he may well be saying that certain short stories are neither exciting, nor active, but may instead may be restful, non-challenging, possibly sleep-inducing works.

Answer 2

He meant : I'm a bitter evil man with a frair for wife beating, I could never paint anything and I'm jealous..arrr..