Schrijfvoorbeeld met de tekst: Bias Lacon, estant sur (...) 1618

Lieven Willemsz. Coppenol made this calligraphic writing sample with ink on paper. The supple character of these materials is essential to the work's effect. It is literally graphic, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of line. The skill of a calligrapher was highly valued in the 17th century, when handwriting was not only a means of communication, but also a performative craft. Think of it as a kind of manual printing. These highly skilled practitioners were in demand to produce legal documents, transcribe literary works, and create formal presentation texts. The labor and time involved in such commissions made them valuable commodities, and the artistry evident here elevated handwriting to the level of fine art. Coppenol was a master of his medium, demonstrating that even the most functional of art forms could be a vehicle for personal expression and artistry. This challenges conventional distinctions between craft and fine art.