Background
His father, also named Willem, was a well-known painter and engraver who gave him his first lessons.
His father, also named Willem, was a well-known painter and engraver who gave him his first lessons.
From 1873 to 1879, he studied with Barend Wijnveld at the Rijksakademie, then went to Antwerp, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts with Charles Verlat.
He initially focused on portraits, genre scenes and historical paintings, done in a style influenced by the Romantic style of his father. In 1880, he visited the moors around Gooi and began to paint in the style of the Hague School. He continued to move about, living in Hilversum, Scherpenzeel and Laren before settling in The Hague.
The picturesque village of Heeze became one of his favorite places to work.
Sheep, and their shepherds, was his favorite subject. He was also known for his graphic work and etchings, and made copies of famous works by Jozef Israëls and Johannes Bosboom.
In 1921, he moved to Voorburg, where he died.