Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master (the larger plate)
Original title: Portrait of Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol, Writing Master (the larger plate)
kurzbeschreibung
This portrait of the writing master Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol stands apart from Rembrandt's other likenesses of him by its larger scale. Made in 1658, the etching with drypoint is the fourth state of the plate. It presents him as a bust-length figure, his hands occupied with a quill and paper.
Description
A cap covers his head, and his shirt has a turned-up collar. He holds a sheet of paper and a quill, pointing to his profession as a writing master. The background stays dark and indistinct, drawing attention to the man. Fine hatching and lines run through the print, as is typical of etching. Black and white define the monochrome impression.
Context
Lieven Willemsz van Coppenol was a respected Dutch writing master in the seventeenth century. Rembrandt portrayed him several times; the present larger plate dates from 1658. Coppenol worked in Amsterdam and was known for his elaborate calligraphy. Around this time Rembrandt turned increasingly to portrait etching.
Impact
The dark background and precise linework give the image a focused, dignified mood. His pose with quill and paper emphasizes his profession and lends the portrait a quiet, intellectual air.
Technique
Rembrandt used etching and drypoint for this work, which survives in its fourth state. The lines and hatching were made partly by etching and partly by direct engraving on the plate. Its monochrome character comes from printing in black ink on paper.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)