Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master: the Larger Plate (copy)

Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master: the Larger Plate (copy) is a detailed etching created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), replicating one of his most celebrated and psychologically penetrating portraits. Although the original plate was created by the master during the Dutch Golden Age, this specific print impression belongs to the broader timeline of 1620-1924, classifying it as a professional copy designed to reproduce the high quality and dramatic lighting of Rembrandt’s work.

The composition centers on Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, a prominent figure in 17th-century Amsterdam known for his exceptional skill as a writing master and calligrapher. This portrait highlights the societal status afforded to men who excelled in specialized crafts, particularly the art of script, which was essential for commerce and governance. The portrait captures the subject in a moment of quiet contemplation, conveying intellectual gravity through the use of precise etched lines and rich contrasts that define the features and texture of the clothing.

Rembrandt’s original focus on such distinguished portraits significantly contributed to his reputation as a master printmaker. This genre of intimate graphic arts was a staple of his output, allowing him to explore character depth through the monochromatic precision of the etching needle. The detail afforded to the subject’s face and posture underscores the importance of the individual identity.

Today, this impression of the print resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, contributing to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of graphic arts. Given the historical significance of the original piece, copies such as this ensure that the master's study of the writing master remains accessible to scholars and the public, often finding its way into resources covering art in the public domain.