Born in Hildesheim, Germany, in 1859, Edmund Osthaus studied painting at the Royal Academy in Dusseldorf.  There, he received the guidance of artists such as Andreas Muller, Peter Jansen, E.V. Gebhardt, E. Deger and Christian Kroner.  Osthaus’s father, who wanted his son to become an architect, did not entirely support Osthaus’s desire to become an artist and therefore struck a bargain with him: if he did well at the Royal Academy, he could pursue an artistic career. 

In 1883, Osthaus came to the United States.  His parents had immigrated to Toledo, Ohio and Osthaus joined them at the age of 25.  Soon thereafter, Osthaus was hired as the principal of the Toledo Academy of Fine Arts.  His career as principal was relatively short-lived, and after seven years, Osthaus resigned from his position, deciding to finally paint full-time.

Osthaus had a passion for hunting and fishing, which became the subjects of a majority of his works.  Above all, he was most prolific in the subject of hunting dogs.  He became especially known for his detailed and life-like portraits of the dogs at work and at play.  Osthaus’s passion for dogs compelled him to follow various dog shows and sporting events; his dog portraits include field trial champion pointers and setters.  

In 1911, Osthaus established a studio in Los Angeles, California and remained based there for the rest of his life.  Additionally, he owned homes in Ohio and New Jersey, as well as a hunting lodge in Marianna, Florida.

Osthaus died at the age of 70, in 1928.