Rudolf Bosselt was born in Perleberg in der Mark, Germany. He apprenticed as an engraver in the bronze manufactory of Otto Schulz in Berlin. After a brief stint at the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin in Charlottenburg he moved to Frankfurt a.M. to study under the well-known metal artist Professor Wiedermann and, after Wiedermann's departure, under J. Kowarzik.
Like many of his American counterparts, Paris was a station on his artistic and professional development. In 1896 he had his first show and in 1898 he won an honorable mention at the Salon de Paris.
He was seen as belonging to the Art Nouveau style and taught at art schools in Düsseldorf, Braunschweig and Magdeburg. Later he became Secretary General of the "National Federation of Artists" in Berlin. After being forced to retire he headed the magazine "Art and Science." He created numerous gravestones and fountains, animal statues, busts, groups, and head sculptures.