This artist who died young – he was only 22 years old – mainly painted mountain and wooded landscapes, for which he also found inspiration abroad. For example, a landscape by his hand at Mannheim on the Ruhr is known. He attended classes at the Haagsche Teeken-Academie from 1829 to 1834 and was also taught by Andreas Schelfhout. As with many students, Rietstap's style showed a great influence from his teacher. In the period 1833-36 he exhibited his work at the annual Exhibition of Living Masters in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht.