He was born of a noble von Kern family in Liptóújvár, now Liptovský Hrádok, Slovakia, son of a famous doctor of medicine, Benjamin von Kern (1800–1868), who recognized his exceptional talent at an early age and paid for his education.
Kern began his artistic training at the age of 16 in Levoča under Theo Böhm.
He went to Prague in 1854, where he studied under J.B. Klemens, and then attended the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, where he was instructed by C. Rahl.
The latter often depicted children at play, music making gypsies, tavern scenes, and single persons.
Being a very good pianist he often made music with his friend, the composer Franz Liszt.