Rudolf Koller Swiss artist. Date of Birth: 21.05.1828 Country: Switzerland

1. Early Life and Education
2. Artistic Apprenticeship
3. Academic Training in Dusseldorf
4. European Travels and Influences
5. Return to Zurich and Early Success
6. Marriage and Domestic Life
7. Italian Sojourn and Recognition
8. Later Travels and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Rudolf Koller was born on December 1, 1828, in Zurich, Switzerland, to an innkeeper and butcher. He received his first drawing lessons from his uncle, a landscape artist. In 1840-1843, he attended the Cantonal Industrial School in Zurich.

Artistic Apprenticeship

In 1843, Koller left the Industrial School and apprenticed himself to the drawing teacher J. Schweizer, the portraitist I.R. Obrist, and the landscape painter I.J. Ulrich. He aspired to become an animal painter, specializing in horses.

Academic Training in Dusseldorf

In 1845, Koller received a commission from the King of Wurttemberg to paint horses and hunting dogs from the royal stables, prompting him to travel to Stuttgart. From 1846-1847, he enrolled in the Dusseldorf Academy of Arts, where he befriended Arnold Böcklin and Anselm Feuerbach.

European Travels and Influences

In 1847-1848, Koller traveled to Belgium with Böcklin and to France, where he studied Dutch painting from the 17th century and works by contemporary animal painters like Rosa Bonheur and Constant Troyon. He became an admirer of the Barbizon School.

Return to Zurich and Early Success

Returning to Zurich in 1848 due to financial difficulties, Koller focused primarily on landscape painting in the Bernese canton and Bavaria. He established his own art studio in 1851 and received numerous commissions for animal paintings.

Marriage and Domestic Life

In May 1856, Koller married Bertha Schalter. He painted a remarkable portrait of his bride in 1855. In 1862, he purchased a house on the shores of Lake Zurich, where he lived and kept many animals.

Italian Sojourn and Recognition

In 1868-1869, Koller traveled to Italy for studies. To commemorate his 70th birthday in 1898, a major exhibition of his work opened in Zurich. That same year, he received an honorary doctorate in arts from the University of Zurich.

Later Travels and Legacy

Koller visited Italy once more in 1900, meeting with Arnold Böcklin in Florence. He passed away on April 13, 1905, and was buried in Zurich near the grave of his friend, the writer Gottfried Keller. Koller's legacy as a celebrated animal and landscape painter continues to be revered today.