Nicolaas Riegen was born in Amsterdam, May 31, 1827, where he continued to live and work for the rest of his life. Riegen was a skilled painter of seascapes and river views, of various weather conditions. He wis known to have painted city views and landscapes according to the Hague School as well. Riegen exhibited his work during his life at events in Arnhem and Maastricht. Although he was a registered painter, and thus a professional, his work is seldom seen. In 1872 he applied to "Arti et Amicitiae" in Amsterdam. He died in 1899.