J.F. Spohler was born in 1853, probably in Leiden.  His father was the well-known landscape artist Jan Jacob Spohler and his brother J.J.C. Spohler was also a painter.

J.F. Spohler was born at the height of the Romantic movement in Holland and he was very much an exponent of this genre.  He followed in the footsteps of the most accomplished painter of town views,  Cornelis Springer (1817-1891).   Spohler often chose to paint on small mahogany panels and his fine draughtsmanship is always apparent in his work.  He paints with a delicate palette concentrating on topographical accuracy and rendering the effects of light to stunning effect.  His pictures have a jewel-like quality and are highly sought after.