Painter, composer and cyclist

I was browsing the internet and I found some interesting historical figures that share my last name. Although I don’t think I am remotely related to any of the people, it is interesting nonetheless.

First up is a Flemish family of artists. The Antwerp painter Andreas van Brée was the father of Mathieu Ignace van Brée (1773-1839) and Philippe Jacques van Brée (1786-1871). Mathieu studied under François André Vincent, an important rival of the highly influential Jacques-Louis David. Philippe studied under Anne-Louis Girodet, who is currently featured in a special exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago.

Second is Dutch composer and violinist Johannes Bernardus van Bree (1801-1857). Born in Amsterdam in 1801, Johannes was conductor of the Felix Meritis and Caecilia orchestras. He was one of the first important Dutch composers of the 19th century and led the Dutch premiere of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique in 1855.

Third and last, just because, Belgian cyclist Charles van Bree (1894-?) participated in the 1920 Tour de France. That year, the first seven were all Belgian, with Philippe Thys being the first person to win the Tour three times.

28 March 2006 | Across the board, All things Dutch | Comments