From a most noted family of painters who was apprenticed as a guild student under his brother Hanrick D. Dillens.

Initially after completion of guild training and experience, he concentrated upon historical subject paintings until he was enveloped by the charm of the Dutch genre scenes. It was not too difficult to understand this transition into the genre mood as the prevalent theme of a vigorous Dutch life permeated all artists of this period.

After development of his full style his concentrations were on the genre of Zealand peasant life. “IN THE KITCHEN” is a most pure and typical example.

Most acclaimed both in Brussels and Paris.

Medals: Brussels, 1848, 1850, 1854; Paris, 1855; Order of Leopold, 1862.

Member of the Amsterdam Academy , 1866