Antonie Waldorp began his painting career at the studio of stage decorator J.H.A.A. Breckenheymer, after which he decided to pursue ‘free’ painting. The painter W.J.J. Nuyen, who died at an early age, had much influence on his work. Together they travelled to Paris in 1833, where they were introduced to the romantic work of E. Isabey who was famous for his beach scenes and seascapes. During this period, Waldorp primarily painted interiors, portraits and cityscapes, which he occasionally peppered with 17th-century characters. From 1838 onwards, he dedicated himself almost exclusively to painting seascapes and river scenes.