Portrait of Leiden Students

attributed to Israël David Kiek, 1890-10

Few people know this anymore, but the Dutch word kiekje (snapshot) derives from Kiek, the name of a photographer of Leiden university students. After a night out, they would knock on his door in the early hours of the morning to have him take informal portraits of them in an improvised courtyard or on a bridge. Far removed from formal studio portraits, these unruly groups convey spontaneity, directness, and life.

  • Artwork typephotograph, cabinet photograph
  • Object numberRP-F-2012-96-145
  • Dimensionsheight 132 mm x width 97 mm
  • Physical characteristicsalbuminedruk