Jan Frans van Bredael was born on April 1, 1686 in Antwerp, Belgium; the son of Alexander van Bredael (d. 1720). There were several other van Bredaels, who won honour as artists—notably Pieter (1622 – 1719), Alexander’s father, and Jozef (1688 – 1739). They were formerly known as “Breda, ” but this apparently is incorrect, though it occurs as a signature on a picture by Jan Frans in the Amsterdam gallery.
Jan Frans trained with his father.
He imitated the style of Wouverman and Breughel with such dexterity that even connoisseurs are often unable to distinguish his copies of their pictures from the originals. He visited England, where he was so well employed that in a few years he was able to retire to his native country with a competency. The earl of Derwentwater was one of his chief patrons. In the period from 1719 to 1725 he was active in Paris. He returned to Antwerp in 1625 where he joined the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in the same year. He became deacon of the Guild the next year and again in the years 1733, 1734 and 1735.
Jan Frans van Bredael married Catharina de Rijck. They had three children.
