Portrait of Leiden Students

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.

Portrait of Leiden Students

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.