Silent Morning in the Old City by Robert Jan Smit

About "Silent Morning in the Old City"

by Robert Jan Smit

About the artwork

This atmospheric photo, taken in the heart of Leiden, shows a picturesque corner building at the intersection of Beschuitsteeg and Nieuwstraat. The image exudes the city's rich history and perfectly shows why Leiden is so beloved by lovers of culture, architecture and photography.

The corner building at the centre of the picture is a beautiful example of historic Leiden architecture. Its characteristic red bricks, steep roofline with weathered tiles and classic wooden window frames reflect the architectural style of earlier centuries. Beschuitsteeg is a narrow street with a charming name reminiscent of old crafts and urban stories. Nieuwstraat, despite its name, is also old and winds through the historic city centre like a living monument.

The atmosphere in the picture is enhanced by the warm sunlight that gently illuminates the streetscape and highlights the details of the facades. The plants in front of the houses and the old pavement give the scene an almost timeless look. To the right in the picture, we see a more modern façade that contrasts with the older buildings, yet blends harmoniously into the street scene - a subtle reminder of how old and new go hand in hand in Leiden.

The sky is bright blue with a few streaks of aircraft tracks, which combine to form an interesting pattern and add an extra dimension to the picture. These elements emphasise that this is a vibrant city, where the past is still tangible but the present is always in flux.

In short, this photo not only shows a beautiful part of Leiden, but also tells a story about time, the city and the connection between old and new.