This ‘Design for a writing sample’, was made by Jan van de Velde I in the Netherlands, sometime around the early 17th Century, using etching. At this time, the Dutch Republic was a major center for trade and commerce, and handwriting was an essential skill for merchants, diplomats, and other professionals. Van de Velde's print gives us insight into the cultural values placed on literacy and education during this period. The elegant calligraphy and elaborate ornamentation suggest the importance of aesthetics and refinement in Dutch society, and the dedication to Giovanni Bontio, a doctor, hints at the patronage networks that sustained artistic production. By researching the social and economic conditions of the time, we can better understand the cultural significance of this print, recognizing that even something as seemingly mundane as a writing sample can tell us a great deal about the values, aspirations, and institutions of its time.