This German animal painter, born in Leipzig, was initially a woodcarver, but chose painting after moving to Munich. He paid for his education at the art academy by making and selling illustrations and woodcuts. He exhibited his first painting, 'Mice Hunt', in 1862 at the Münchener Kunstverein. Initially Rostosky mainly painted romantic animal pieces, later also landscapes, especially scenes of animal life in the forest were popular. He became known to the general public for his illustrations - animal scenes but also humorous depictions - which appeared in popular magazines such as the 'Fliegende Blätter' and the 'Münchener Bilderbogen'.