Van Os was born in Middelharnis. He was taught by Aert Schouman in The Hague, where he would spend the rest of his life. In 1773, he recorded in the painters’ confraternity. In 1775, he married Susanna de La Croix, a deaf-mute pen portraitist.
Van Os is mostly known for his fruit and flower still life paintings, though he started his career painting seascapes. His floral sill lifes were painted in the style of Jan van Huysum, with the flowers usually presented on a marble ledge against a green background.
He was the father of artist Pieter van Os and grandfather to Pieter Frederik van Os.
An Island Waterway with Smalschips unloading their cargo near a village.