Pierre Jean van der Ouderaa was born in Antwerp where he visited the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside the Academy the famous Henri Leys (1815-1869) was his teacher. He qualified as a painter of murals which he executed in his hometown and abroad. He also practiced portrait- and historical painting and was known as a master in the academic tradition. He made several journeys through Italy and the Middle East. Ouderaa won many awards on shows in Amsterdam, Berlin and Lyon. He kept his position as a teacher at the academy in Antwerp until his old age.