Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, writing master: the smaller plate

Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, writing master: the smaller plate, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658, is a highly regarded example of the artist’s late-career prints. Classified formally as a print on paper, this specific piece captures the renowned Amsterdam writing master, Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, in a focused moment. The classification as "the smaller plate" distinguishes it from Rembrandt’s other, larger etched portrait of the same sitter, created around the same time.

Rijn was celebrated for his revolutionary approach to printmaking, utilizing techniques like etching and drypoint to achieve rich tonal variation and psychological depth. This work is characteristic of his mature style, where light is used dramatically to illuminate the sitter's features and the implements of his craft. As a writing master, Van Coppenol represented the importance of literacy and educational skill during the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. The careful rendering of his quill or writing utensil subtly emphasizes his professional aptitude for calligraphy.

This significant print demonstrates Rijn's enduring ability to imbue conventional portraiture with intimate intensity. Preserved within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, this artwork remains a crucial reference point for the study of 17th-century Dutch portrait prints. The historical importance and widespread study of Rembrandt's etched works mean that high-resolution images of pieces like Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol are often available through public domain initiatives for scholarly and educational use worldwide.