Lieven Willemsz. von Coppenol, Writing Master: The Larger Plate

Lieven Willemsz. von Coppenol, Writing Master: The Larger Plate is a seminal print by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, demonstrating the artist’s virtuoso control over intaglio techniques during his later period. Executed between 1653 and 1663, this large-format print is characterized by the complex layering of etching, drypoint, and burin on ivory paper. This combination of mediums allowed Rembrandt to achieve unparalleled depth and velvety blacks, lending a dramatic atmosphere to the composition.

The subject is Lieven Willemsz. von Coppenol, a highly esteemed calligrapher and schoolmaster in Amsterdam. Rembrandt created multiple versions of this portrait, with this "Larger Plate" being the most imposing and technically ambitious. Coppenol is depicted at his desk, seemingly interrupted while engrossed in his work. The intense focus on his face and hands, illuminated against a deep, shadowed background, elevates the professional dignity of the writing master, reflecting the societal prominence of specialized trades within the 17th-century Netherlands.

Rembrandt’s skillful application of drypoint is particularly evident in the rich, blurring shadows that contrast sharply with the delicate etched lines used to render the sitter’s features. This contrast underscores the emotional intensity characteristic of the artist's later work. This important example of Dutch graphic art is proudly held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As the work is a significant contribution to the history of prints, high-quality images and academic resources are often available through public domain initiatives.