 His father Hindrik, who as well as running a business was active in politics, serving on the municipal and provincial councils, liked to draw in the little free time that he had.Although Gerrit's mother, Alida Cornelia Christina ten Bruggencate did not draw, she did have a great interest in art.Gerrit's older brother Derk also drew and painted, but stopped when he became too busy in his work at the timber merchants.