He was a painter of Greek & Roman subjects, set in scenes of remarkable archeological & architectural accuracy. His paintings are always recognisable for their brilliant luminosity, & exquisite rendering of marble, silver gold, bronze & silks. He was born in Dronryp, Holland. In 1852 he entered the Antwerp Academy, where Louis de Taye, the Professor of Archaeology, much influenced his work. In 1860 he became assistant & pupil to Baron Leys, in 1860 he settled in London.
In 1906 he was awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the RIBI for his promotion of architecture in painting.

