Album met schrijfvoorbeelden van Ambrosius Perling 1667 - 1718

This is an album of writing examples by Ambrosius Perling, created sometime before his death in 1718. In the Dutch Republic during Perling's lifetime, handwriting was much more than a means of communication. It was a skill closely linked to social status. Fine penmanship was highly valued and was even regarded as an art form. Albums such as this one were both instructional tools and displays of virtuosity. Perling would have been employed to teach young people, most often those from wealthy families. As a writing master, he occupied an interesting social position, somewhere between craftsman and artist. To truly understand Perling's work, we would need to delve into the archives of Dutch educational institutions of the period. What was the curriculum? Who was considered an ideal student? By answering these questions, we can better appreciate the social and institutional context that shaped both the production and reception of this album.