Richard Burnier, born in The Hague, is known for his nature-rich performances. In his hometown he learned artistry at the Academy of Fine Arts. He also took lessons in Düsseldorf and Paris. His teacher in Paris was the landscape painter Constant Troyon. Under his influence, Burnier specialized in landscapes with cattle and the style of the Barbizon School can be recognized in his work. Burnier had contact with the painters Anton Mauve and Jozef Israëls. From 1869 he settled permanently in Düsseldorf, where he was often inspired by typical Dutch landscapes.