Portret van de schrijfmeester Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol: grote plaat 1658 - 1808

Rembrandt van Rijn created this print of Lieven Willemsz. van Coppenol using etching techniques. Notice the gaze of van Coppenol—direct and penetrating. This intense focus is a visual device extending back to antiquity. Think of the Roman portrait busts, where the subject's piercing eyes were meant to convey authority and gravitas. The sitter's gaze suggests a deep engagement, almost a challenge, inviting us to truly see him, and perhaps, to be seen by him. Across centuries, the portrait has served as a mirror, not just reflecting physical likeness but also capturing the inner essence. This etching shares an uncanny resemblance with the past in order to connect with the future. The gaze is a cultural echo, a legacy that continues to exert its power.