View of Haarlem with the St. Bavo Cathedral

Destrée studied at the Drawing Academy in The Hague under the tutelage of Bartholomeus van Hove and Andreas Schelfhout, whose influence is particularly evident in his work. Specializing in landscapes, his paintings often depicted scenes in and around The Hague and Scheveningen, but his artistic exploration also led him to the polders, the Veluwe, Oosterbeek near Arnhem, and Maastricht. Additionally, he traveled to Germany, working near Potsdam and other locations.

Destrée’s career was largely based in The Hague, where he was an active member of the Pulchri Studio, a prominent artists’ society. His work garnered international attention, with exhibitions across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Austria, and Germany. Notably, he exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1882, further establishing his reputation in the European art world.

Despite his extensive travels and exhibitions, Destrée remained closely connected to The Hague, where he lived for the majority of his life. His popularity was particularly notable in Germany, where his work was highly appreciated. Destrée passed away in The Hague on March 17, 1888, just shy of his 61st birthday.

Today, Johannes Joseph Destrée’s works are preserved in both private and public collections, reflecting his enduring legacy. Several of his paintings are displayed in renowned institutions such as the Teylers Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag. His contributions to landscape painting, marked by a distinctive Romantic style influenced by his mentors, continue to be celebrated and studied.