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

Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, writing master: the smaller plate is a significant print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658. This work focuses on the figure of Van Coppenol, a prominent writing master and esteemed calligrapher in Amsterdam, a subject Rijn portrayed multiple times during his career. Coppenol, celebrated for his penmanship and teaching, is shown actively engaged in his craft, emphasizing his intellectual profession. The designation of this as the "smaller plate" implies the creation of at least one other, larger version, a common practice for Rijn when revisiting important figures or subjects.

Classified as a print, the technical execution of this portrait showcases Rijn’s mature skill in etching and drypoint, techniques he masterfully utilized to achieve remarkable textural variations and emotional depth. Crucially, this specific impression was rendered on parchment, an animal material reserved for high-quality prints and legal documents, underscoring the esteem in which Rijn held the subject or the premium nature of this impression. Such meticulous detail and high material standards are characteristic of the artist’s later work.

Rijn’s penetrating portrayal of Van Coppenol captures a moment of intense concentration, reflecting the sitter's commitment to his highly respected profession. The enduring quality of this masterwork ensures its continued study by art historians. This important piece forms part of the world-renowned collection of Dutch Golden Age art housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to the age and historical significance of the artist’s legacy, similar impressions of Rijn’s 17th-century prints often enter the public domain, allowing broader access to the profound psychological insight characteristic of the artist’s oeuvre.