Portret van de schrijfmeester Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol: grote plaat

The Portret van de schrijfmeester Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol: grote plaat is a significant portrait created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658. Executed on paper, this work is a superb example of the artist’s mature printmaking style, demonstrating his mastery of etching and drypoint techniques to define the subject's character and presence.

The sitter, Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, was a renowned Amsterdam schoolmaster and professional calligrapher whose celebrated skill with the pen made him a prominent cultural figure during the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn captures Coppenol with an intensity appropriate to his status, likely depicting him holding the tools of his trade or perhaps displaying a sample of his elaborate script. This piece not only records the detailed likeness of a respected contemporary but also highlights the high esteem given to the specialized art of fine handwriting during this period.

Dating from Rembrandt’s late period, the depth and rich texture achieved in the printed image showcase Rijn’s experimental approach to the drypoint and burin. The heavy use of burr creates the deep shadows and atmosphere characteristic of the artist’s late prints, contrasting sharply with the illuminated face of the subject. Although classified formally as a book component, this large-scale print functions as a powerful, standalone masterpiece. As one of the most celebrated prints in the artist's oeuvre, the original impression is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum. Due to its age and historical significance, high-quality images and secondary prints of this seminal work are widely available through public domain archives, ensuring its continued study by scholars worldwide.