Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master (the larger plate)

The Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master (the larger plate), created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) in 1658, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture executed in the exacting medium of etching and drypoint. This particular impression represents the fourth state of the plate, showcasing the meticulous detail Rembrandt added and adjusted during the printmaking process. Van Coppenol was a celebrated professional calligrapher and schoolmaster in Amsterdam, known throughout the region for his exceptional handwriting, making this a specific and important commission for the artist.

The composition emphasizes the sitter’s profession, aligning directly with the subject tag of Writing. Van Coppenol is shown seated at a table, poised with his writing instrument and paper, capturing the intellectual dedication required of a master of calligraphy. Rembrandt utilized the subtle gradations and burr possible with drypoint to create deep shadows and volumetric form, focusing attention sharply on the face and hands of the man. The dramatic use of light and shadow serves to enhance the psychological depth of the portrait, a hallmark of Rembrandt’s late-career style.

This highly regarded print, dating from Rembrandt’s late period, illustrates his profound skill in creating detailed prints that achieve effects comparable to those in his paintings. Impressions like this one, held within The Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, continue to be studied globally for their technical mastery. Because the work is classified as a historical print and the rights have long since expired, high-quality images of this famous Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master are often available in the public domain for research and appreciation by art historians and students worldwide.