The paintings are in the Flemish or Antwerp tradition of artists such as Jan Brueghel the Elder. He achieved fame for his detailed landscapes and often collaborated with other artists notably Peter Paul Rubens.

The widespread practice of painting in oil on copper in the early seventeenth century reflected changes in taste, artistic convention, the advance in mining and manufacturing technology, the economy, and the desire for small paintings. The explosive growth of the practice saw the development of the dazzling visual effects that could be achieved, and painting on copper flourished in this climate.

The artist was known initially to be a cabinet-maker resident in Haarlem. He is recorded as living in Amsterdam as a painter by 1617. In 1623 he wrote to the States General trying to interest them in his invention for blocking certain harbours to prevent enemy shipping entering or leaving. He is known to have visited France since he painted a view of Paris in 1637. He was the master of the marine painter Hendrick Dubbels and died in Amsterdam. The painting is signed 'Verwer'.