The Star of the Kings: A Night Piece

The Star of the Kings: A Night Piece by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a remarkable print created between 1646 and 1656. This complex work, rooted in the art history of the Netherlands, utilizes a precise combination of etching, drypoint, and engraving applied to ivory laid paper. This masterful blend of intaglio techniques allowed Rembrandt to achieve deep, rich tonal contrasts and varied textures essential for rendering the dramatic lighting effects associated with the Baroque style, particularly the intense use of chiaroscuro.

The subject matter, inspired by the Epiphany or Adoration of the Magi, depicts a lively, densely populated night scene. Rather than focusing solely on the kings, Rembrandt captures a crowd gathered in the dark, possibly observing a street play or procession illuminating the arrival of the Magi, suggested by the title’s reference to the guiding star. The exceptional handling of light emphasizes the flickering illumination from torches and lanterns, casting deep shadows and dramatically highlighting faces in the foreground. This piece demonstrates Rembrandt’s continuous technical innovation and his profound interest in the expressive potential of the human figure, even within crowded compositions.

Classified simply as a print, the finished work known as The Star of the Kings stands as a key example of the Dutch Golden Age master’s graphic output. Today, high-quality images of this powerful creation are frequently available via collections entering the public domain. This significant piece of seventeenth-century art is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, affirming Rembrandt’s enduring influence on the history of prints.