Aan de lezer 1605

This bookplate was produced by Jan van de Velde I in the Netherlands. Bookplates like this one were pasted into books to indicate ownership, usually of wealthy, educated people. In early modern Europe, reading and writing were increasingly seen as essential skills for merchants, politicians, and scholars, which led to a proliferation of printed books and manuals dedicated to teaching penmanship and calligraphy. This bookplate, "Aan de lezer," is intended to be displayed in one of these manuals. The text praises the art of writing and encourages the reader to learn from the exemplary book in which the plate is found. During the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands experienced significant economic growth and social change. As the merchant class expanded, the demand for education and literacy increased. Van de Velde's bookplate reflects this cultural shift, highlighting the importance of writing as a skill and celebrating the printed book as a tool for learning. Researching the history of literacy and education in the Netherlands during this period can deepen our understanding of the artwork's meaning.