Laurens Jansz. Coster snijdt letters uit beukenschors 1763

This 1763 engraving by Hendrik Spilman depicts Laurens Janszoon Coster, a Dutch printer, carving letters into a beechwood bark. The scene is framed by a decorative border with two classical figures. It is a detailed portrayal of a significant moment in printing history. The inscription "Hae Literarum Cunae" (This is the Cradle of Letters) signifies Coster's contribution to the invention of printing. This small artwork, measuring only 70 mm x 95 mm, is a testament to Spilman's talent for capturing a historical narrative through detailed engravings. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.