He was self-taught - despite what the notice on the back of the piece says - his canvas was scrap card board and he was intrigued by "Testimony Art" - much if not most of his work is influenced by the Story of Christ. 

I am including a biography from Sacred Artists, in case you are new to his work.

PS Rudolph sold this painting forty-some years ago for $ 250 - (not to me, I paid a lot more) , and while American Folk Art has had its ups-and downs, I feel my asking price is more than fair. There won't be any more....RIP RVB