Ontwerp van een schrijfvoorbeeld: Some man keepeth silence (...) 1605

Jan van de Velde the 1st created this pen and ink design for a writing sample in the early 17th century. It depicts an elaborate calligraphic arrangement of spiraling lines and carefully lettered text. Van de Velde was working at a time when the Dutch Republic was consolidating its economic and cultural power. This design speaks to the importance placed on literacy and the art of writing, especially as a marker of social status and education. The elegant script, with its flourishes and decorative elements, highlights the value placed on refined skills and cultivated taste. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a role in preserving and showcasing such artifacts, reinforcing their historical and cultural significance. To fully appreciate this design, it helps to delve into the history of Dutch calligraphy and educational practices of the period, examining instructional manuals, social etiquette guides, and the broader cultural values that shaped its creation.