Nicolaas Pieneman was the son of the painter Jan Willem Pieneman (1779-1853). He was a student of his father and of the Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam. At an early age he caused a furore painting historical scenes, later he painted many portraits, especially of the royal family. He was good friends with King Willem II. During his lifetime he received numerous awards. Pieneman made several foreign trips and visited, among others, England, France, Belgium and Germany.