Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol: the Smaller Plate

Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol: the Smaller Plate is a significant print created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658. This work demonstrates Rijn's sophisticated command of intaglio processes, combining the foundational structure of etching with the textural richness of drypoint and the precise definition possible through burin engraving. The distinctive combination of these techniques, especially the integration of drypoint which produces a characteristic velvety burr, was a hallmark of Rijn’s highly experimental and technical later printmaking style.

The subject of this remarkable print is Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, a known figure in Amsterdam and a writing master whom the artist depicted multiple times. This particular version, distinguished as the "Smaller Plate," captures Coppenol in a contemplative pose, perhaps reflecting on his profession or a recent accomplishment. Created during the period of 1651 to 1700, this piece exemplifies the psychological depth and technical innovation that characterized the later years of the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn was instrumental in elevating the medium of prints from a reproductive craft to an independent art form, utilizing the dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to imbue his portraits with immediate presence.

The skillful rendering and enduring artistic importance of this masterwork situate it as a vital record of seventeenth-century Dutch portraiture. This impression resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Due to the historical age and recognized status of the original plates, images derived from these historical works are frequently found within public domain collections, ensuring the broad study and appreciation of Rijn’s graphic achievements worldwide.