Rudolf Koller: The Painter of the Swiss National Animal Rudolf Koller (1837 – 1910) stands as a pivotal figure in Swiss art history, recognized primarily for his masterful depictions of animals—particularly marmots—and their serene landscapes. Often dubbed “The Painter of the Swiss National Animal,” Koller’s oeuvre embodies the Romantic spirit of observation and reverence for nature that characterized the mid-nineteenth century, cementing his place as one of Switzerland's most beloved landscape artists. Koller’s formative years were spent in Zurich, where he honed his artistic skills throug…