Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, known as ‘The Smaller Plate’

The Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, known as ‘The Smaller Plate’ by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to 1658, is a significant example of the artist's late style in printmaking. This particular impression, rendered on Japanese paper, showcases Rijn’s mastery of etching and drypoint techniques, utilizing the fibrous nature of the paper to enhance the velvety richness of the ink and the subtleties of the composition’s tonality.

The subject, Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, was a celebrated writing master and calligraphy instructor in Amsterdam, often commissioned by wealthy merchants. Rijn captured Coppenol not just as a sitter, but as a personality, emphasizing his intellectual status and focus. The delicate handling of the line work and chiaroscuro creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing attention to the subject’s face and hands. The intense darkness achieved through dense cross-hatching and drypoint burr dramatically contrasts with the light illuminating Coppenol’s features, a signature characteristic of Rijn’s powerful late works.

This piece is one of several prints Rijn executed portraying Coppenol, demonstrating the artist’s continued interest in capturing diverse, compelling personalities within 17th-century Dutch society. The work illuminates Rijn’s reputation as a prolific printmaker whose etchings were widely circulated and highly valued during the Dutch Golden Age. This specific, high-quality impression is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, serving as a vital reference point for scholars studying Rijn’s graphic output. Furthermore, the accessibility of Rijn’s influential prints in the public domain ensures that his profound technical contributions remain globally appreciated.