Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol: the Larger Plate

The influential Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn, created the magnificent print titled Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol: the Larger Plate in 1658. This celebrated portrait, classified as an outstanding example of fine prints from the period, showcases the artist’s mature command of intaglio techniques. Rijn skillfully combined precise etching with the velvety burr of drypoint and the fine control offered by the burin, achieving an unprecedented depth of texture and tonal nuance in his graphic output during the later stages of the Dutch Golden Age (1651 to 1700).

The work depicts Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, the noted Amsterdam schoolmaster and professional calligrapher. Rijn portrays the subject deeply engaged in his craft, surrounded by the necessary materials of ink and paper. This intimate yet monumental portrait demonstrates the psychological penetration characteristic of Rijn’s figure studies. Produced near the end of the artist’s life, this piece reflects the master's late style, which emphasized dramatic shadow and rich atmospheric variation, often created through heavy cross-hatching and deliberate plate work. The designation "the Larger Plate" distinguishes this definitive state from earlier, smaller versions of the same subject Rijn executed, marking it as the culmination of the artist's engagement with Coppenol's likeness.

As an essential component of the artistic output of the 1651 to 1700 era, the quality and technical brilliance of this impression underscore the enduring global interest in Dutch masterworks. While the originals are highly sought after by collectors, numerous impressions of Rijn's prints have become available in the public domain, increasing the accessibility of the master’s oeuvre. This exceptional example of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol: the Larger Plate is preserved within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., confirming its vital contribution to the history of Western printmaking.