Ernest David Roth was born on 17 January 1879 in Stuttgart, Germany. A few years later, he and his family moved to America. Because it was necessary for him to work during the day, Roth enrolled in night classes at the National Academy of Design. He began studying etching under the renowned James D. Smillie who produced etchings and illustrations for many publications.

Roth first exhibited in New York and Philadelphia. However, he was financially unsuccessful and did not receive the recognition he desired. As a result, he left for Europe where he concentrated exclusively on etching. While in Florence, he created a series of etchings that immortalized the spirit of Florence. The direct...