Bree

Bree, MATTHIAS IGNATIUS VAN, a Flemish painter, was born at Antwerp in 1773, and in 1797 gained the prix de Rome by his 'Death of Cato.' In 1804 he returned to Antwerp, where he became director of the Academy of Fine Arts, and died 15th December 1839. His chief works are the 'Entrance of Napoleon into Antwerp,' the 'Death of Rubens,' in the Antwerp Museum, and the 'Patriotism of the Burgomaster at the Siege of Leyden, 1576,' in the town-house of Leyden.—His brother, PHILIPP JACOB VAN BREE (1786-1871), also acquired some reputation as an historical painter.