Background
Son of decorative painter Nicolaas Frederik Knip, who was his first teacher, he moved with his family to "s-Hertogenbosch when he was eleven years old.
Son of decorative painter Nicolaas Frederik Knip, who was his first teacher, he moved with his family to "s-Hertogenbosch when he was eleven years old.
In 1794 the French besieged and captured the town. In 1801 he established himself in Paris, where he accepted commissions for topographical paintings. He also became drawing master to Napoleon III of France.
He spent nine years in Paris.
At the end of 1809 he went to Rome, where he remained until 1812. He also travelled, making trips to Naples, the Sabine Hills, the Alban Hills, and the Campagna.
Watercolors exist from these trips, from places ranging from Palestrina to Terni. He settled in "s-Hertogenbosch, where he worked as a painter.
He later lived in Amsterdam and in Paris.
He went blind in 1832, after which he was given a pension by William I of the Netherlands.