Rudolf Ernst

Biography of Rudolf Ernst ( 1854-1932 )

Born in Vienna, Rudolf Ernst was a key figure of the Austrian Orientalist School. His father was an architect and member of the city’s Academy of Fine Arts. He worked in his first painting class in 1869, and then studied history painting with Anselm Feuerbach from 1873 to 1876. After a disagreement with the Secretary of the Academy, he left Vienna for Paris. Ludwig Deutsch and Jean Discart, former students of Feuerbach, joined him. 

Starting in 1877, he exhibited regularly at the Salon of French Artists. He presented his first Orientalist work in 1885, a painting entitled "In the Medersa", made after his trip to Morocco. After this exhibition, he completely dedicated himself to Orientalist painting. Ernst travelled many times in Orient and painted the portraits of many high-ranking figures of the Ottoman court.

In 1883, he met Osman Hamdi Bey, former student of Jean-Léon Gérôme in Paris and founder of the Constantinople Art School. He received a bronze medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 and a medal of honor at the 1900’s exhibition.

The music instruments are represented many times in the artist’s paintings. His compositions are oriented in such a way that the various elements of decoration produce a powerful sense of authenticity. By a subtle depiction of the diversity of materials and objects (carpets, fabrics, tables, ceramics) the works of Rudolf Ernst are significant examples of the Austrian Orientalist school, conveying an exotic ambiance through an abundance of artisanal objects.