Jacobus Cornelis Wijnandus Cossaar grew up in Amsterdam and followed the education for stage decoration under August Allebe (1838-1927). Soon he painted the decors for the Plantage Schouwburg and got the leadership of the decorator from the seventeenth century.

In 1906 he designed the decor for the tableaux vivants, which he collaborated with Marius Bauer (1867-1932).

After moving to London with his wife and first daughter, he explained to the painting of impressionist city and port views. He got a contract with the renowned art dealership Goupil in London, which allows much of his early work in English museums and private collections to be found.

Cossar has become famous in the Netherlands for his church ...