Nikolaus Johann van Beethoven (1776-1848) - Fotografie eines Gemäldes von Leopold Groß

Nikolaus Johann van Beethoven was the younger one of the two surviving Beethoven brothers. After starting an apprenticeship at a pharmacy in Bonn he followed his older brother to Vienna in 1795 where he completed his education and worked at a pharmacy.

In 1808 Johann van Beethoven bought a pharmacy in Linz and became a wealthy man. In 1819 he sold his pharmacy and acquired a large manor in Gneixendorf close to Krems where his brother Ludwig would visit him in later years.

The brothers' relationship was not always easy. In his letters, the composer often called the pharmacist a roguish, even unbrotherly brother. In spite of that, the brothers always remained in close contact until the composer's death.(S.B.)