Like his brother he devoted but a portion of his time to painting, and is principally known by his works on art and artists, of which the most important is the Geschiedenis der Vaderlandsche Schilderkunst, written in conjunction with Van der Willigen, and published in 1816–1842.
Jacobus van Eynden, also known as Jacobus II, the older brother of Roeland, born at Nymegen in 1733, studied art under his father, and painted principally watercolour pictures of flowers, fruit, animals, and views of towns.
Aided by the counsels of Chevalier Van der Werf, he painted Arcadian scenes, which he executed in the manner of Jan van Huysum, but not with equal perfection.
His skies and distances are serene and delicate, and the clouds illumined by the sun are pleasingly reflected in the waters.
His scenes are skilfully varied, and the different kinds of trees characterized with a neat and masterly touch; his figures also are well painted, and disposed with judgment.