291 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden - Amsterdam 1669), Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, Writing Master: The Smaller Plate.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden - Amsterdam 1669), Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol, Writing Master: The Smaller Plate. Etching, engraving and drypoint on laid paper. (c. 1658). 26.5 x 19.5 cm (sheet). Bartsch 282; White/Boon 282 VI (of VI); Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 305 VI (of VII). Provenance: George W. Nowell-Usticke (1894–1980); his sale, Sotheby’s, London, 31 October 1967, lot 186; Christie’s, London, 2 December 2003, lot 69. A fine impression of New Hollstein’s sixth state (of seven), with the dark disc restored and printing with strong touches of burr. With narrow margins. The sitter is the celebrated Amsterdam writing master Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol (1599–1667), who taught at the French School on the Singel and was renowned for his calligraphy. He travelled throughout Holland demonstrating his remarkable skill as a penman. As in many of Rembrandt’s late portraits, the emphasis lies less on social status than on the sitter’s individual presence and character. The restrained composition of this small etching focuses attention on Coppenol’s face, whose concentrated gaze and subtly inclined head lend the portrait a remarkable sense of immediacy and psychological depth. – Inscribed ‘Coppenol’ in pen in the blank area below. The corners skilfully backed and restored. At the right edge, level with the sitter’s head, a small paper loss skilfully repaired. A faint stain visible verso. Otherwise in good condition. Taxation: regelbesteuert (VAT: Regular Taxation).