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Laurens Janszoon Coster, Dutch printer
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Laurens Janszoon Coster, Dutch printer
Laurens Janszoon Coster (c.1370-c.1440), Dutch printer, with a printing clamp and printed pages. Coster was a citizen of Haarlem, in the Netherlands, and held the position of sexton (Koster). Some books are said to have been printed by him, but none of the attributions are certain. He is thought to have perished during an epidemic of the plague. Some claim that he was the first person to invent the printing press, but this honour is usually given to Johann Gutenberg. Engraving from the 1883 edition of Vies des Savants Illustres
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Media ID 6411843
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1300s 1400s 14th Century 15th Century 1883 Dutch Engraving Medieval Portraits Printer Surname K Vies Des Savants Illustres Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Laurens Janszoon Coster, a renowned Dutch printer from the 14th century. In this illustration, Coster is depicted with a printing clamp and printed pages, symbolizing his significant contributions to the world of printing technology. As a citizen of Haarlem in the Netherlands, Coster held the esteemed position of sexton (Koster) and was known for his craftsmanship. While some books are believed to have been printed by him, none can be definitively attributed to him due to historical uncertainties. Tragically, it is thought that he perished during an epidemic of the plague. Despite these ambiguities surrounding his work and life, some claim that Coster was actually the first person to invent the printing press. However, Johann Gutenberg is typically credited with this groundbreaking invention. Nevertheless, this engraving from the 1883 edition of Vies des Savants Illustres pays homage to Laurens Janszoon Coster's legacy as a pioneering figure in early printing history. The monochrome artwork beautifully captures both the technological advancements and historical significance associated with Coster's work. This portrait serves as a reminder of how individuals like Laurens Janszoon Coster paved the way for future innovations in printing technology that would ultimately shape our modern world.
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