Josef Fux studied from 1856 to 1862 at the Vienna Academy under Christian Ruben, then was strongly influenced by Hans Makart and Jan Matejko. In 1868, Fux became a member of the Maison des artistes, in the exhibitions of which he participated from then on. Art critics consider him an "exceptionally talented colourist". In 1879, in collaboration with Makart, Fux was also able to show his talent for decorative effects when designing the imperial couple's silver wedding procession; in the same year, Fux was appointed director of decoration of the Hofburgtheater in Vienna.