Timeline of a Life
Franciscus Johannes Gijsbertus van den Berg (1919–1998)
I. Early Life & Formation (1919–1945)
Birth
Born December 15 in Rotterdam at 10:30 AM.
The Academy & Da Vinci
Admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague. Discovers Leonardo da Vinci, adopting him as a spiritual "tutor."
Liberation & Rebirth
March 3: Allied bombing destroys his home and nearly all early work (400 paintings). He views this as a "liberation."
July 17: Formally adopts the name JOHFRA (JOHannes FRAnciscus reversed).
II. The Hague Period & Rosicrucianism (1946–1962)
Marriage to Diana
Marries artist Diana Vandenberg (March 21).
Lectorium Rosicrucianum
Joins the School of the Golden Rosycross. Creates Gnostic-inspired art and temple illustrations.
Meeting Dalí
Visits Salvador Dalí in Spain. Impressed by the technique but disillusioned by Dalí's vanity.
The Split & Exodus
Leaves Diana for Ellen Lórien. Together they leave the Netherlands for France. Removed from the Rosicrucian student list.
III. Aspremont & Meta-Realism (1963–1973)
Life in Aspremont
Builds a wooden house in France using demolition materials. Begins living in isolation with Ellen.
Meta-Realism
Art critic Hein Steehouwer coins the term Meta-realism ("next to realism") to describe Johfra's visionary style.
Dordogne & The Zodiac
Moves to Moulin de Peuch in the Dordogne. Signs contract with Verkerke for the Zodiac poster series.
IV. Fame & Nature Mysticism (1974–1998)
Zodiac Phenomenon
Presentation of the Zodiac posters. The series becomes a global icon of the 70s.
The Adoration of Pan
Completes the monumental triptych, signifying his full shift from Gnosticism to Pantheism (Nature Mysticism).
The Final Year
May 31: Completes final painting, Homecoming.
November 6: Dies at age 78 in Fleurac, France. His autobiography Symphonie Fantastique is published posthumously.