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

Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, writing master: the smaller plate is a compelling portrait print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658. This work captures the image of Lieven van Coppenol, a prominent Amsterdam schoolmaster and master calligrapher during the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn depicts the subject focused on his profession, highlighting the importance of literacy and fine handwriting in 17th-century Dutch society. Notably, this specific impression was executed on parchment (an animal material), a significantly more costly and labor-intensive support than typical paper, often reserved for the finest proofs or dedicated collectors.

Rijn created two distinct etched versions of Coppenol; this work is based on the smaller of the plates, showcasing the artist’s supreme technical skill in printmaking. Despite its modest size, the image captures profound psychological depth through intricate linework and subtle control of light and shadow, defining Rijn's late style. The intensity of the subject’s gaze and the detailed rendering of his features exemplify the high standards of portraiture demanded by Amsterdam’s intellectual elite.

As a late-period example of the artist’s output, the work holds significant historical value, illustrating the close professional relationships Rijn maintained within Amsterdam’s creative community. The original piece resides in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum. Today, high-resolution images of these historic prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the master’s celebrated technique.