Statue of Laurens Jansz Coster 1852

This bronze sculpture by Louis Royer, created in 1852, depicts Laurens Jansz Coster, a Dutch printer who is often credited with the invention of printing. Coster is portrayed in a realistic manner, dressed in a long robe and holding a book, likely symbolic of his printing achievements. The sculpture, located at the Rijksmuseum, is a prime example of 19th-century realistic sculpture, capturing the details of Coster’s features and clothing with remarkable precision. The statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of printing and its influence on Dutch history and culture.