Rudolf Ernst, was a renowned graphic artist and painter in the French salons in the 1870s, despite of being Austrian. He owed his interest for oriental painting to his friendship with Ludwig Deutsch.
Born on February 14, 1854 in Vienna.
Died in 1932 in near Foutenauy-aux-Roses, Paris.
After completing an apprenticeship with the painter Anselm Feuerbach, Rudolf Ernst attempted to paint portraits. Since he had only a few successes in Vienna, he moved to Paris, where he soon delivered the local salons. Having gained interest for oriental painting through two colleagues, he soon changed the subject and made his fortune with oriental-style paintings. Since in those days, many artists had large collections of props, which they had partly brought from their journeys, it was usual to imitate oriental scenes, instead of being on site by themselves. In addition, Rudolf Ernst worked this way, even though he made occasional trips in order to obtain new ideas.