Beschrijving van het schrijven van de Italiaanse letter (vierde vervolg) en het begin van de Nederlandse letteren 1605

This is a page from “Onderrichtinge der Nederlandtsche grove ende kleyne letteren”, a writing manual by Jan van de Velde I, printed around 1600. It offers instructions on writing both large and small letters in the Dutch style. The manual reflects a society deeply invested in literacy and communication. Van de Velde seeks to democratize access to elegant script, providing a guide that could empower individuals from various social strata to refine their handwriting. The text reflects the intersection of art, education, and commerce, and also reveals the cultural values and social hierarchies embedded in early modern Dutch society. The manual not only provides technical instruction but also emphasizes the importance of practice, patience, and attention to detail. Van de Velde writes "Here-in-between I will help the art-lovers and newcomers, assuring them that they will be able to understand sufficiently the instructions given above for Capitals, how these Italian Letters, large and small, are begun and ended." He emphasizes that this is so that the hand can write well and perfectly. The page is a testament to the desire for upward mobility through education and refinement of skills.