Information
The Print Room of Leiden University is an institution with extensive collections of drawings and prints, which are used for research and education. Since its establishment in 1815, the collections have grown through donations and the acquisition of complete collections, such as those of Albert Welcker in 1957 and Mr. Adolph Staring in 1969. In 2002, the Print Room was incorporated into the University Library. All drawings and most of the prints are of Dutch origin.
The sixteenth-century drawings are a highlight, with works by artists including Jan Gossart, Bernard van Orley, Hendrick Goltzius, and Karel van Mander. Their size and quality can rival the best collections in this field. The seventeenth century is slightly lesser in quality but more extensive, and stands out due to the large number of relatively unknown artists. The prints offer a broad overview of Dutch (North and South) printmaking, from Lucas van Leyden through the eighteenth-century book illustrators.
Jef Schaeps, Curator of Prints and Drawings (May 2025)