The Adoration of the Shepherds

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1657

After the annunciation, the shepherds travel to Bethlehem and find Jesus with his parents in a stable. Rembrandt could not have depicted this scene any darker or stiller. The lantern of the arriving shepherds casts light on the Virgin, who has fallen asleep. Joseph sits reading by his own lamplight and looks up in surprise.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-1961-1007
  • Dimensionsheight 149 mm x width 198 mm
  • Physical characteristicsetching, engraving and drypoint with plate tone, printed on Chinese paper

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • The adoration of the shepherds: a night piece
    • The Adoration of the Shepherds
  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-P-1961-1007

  • Inscriptions / marks

    collector's mark: Lugt 2228

  • Catalogue reference

    • Bartsch 46-5(8)
    • Hollstein Dutch 46-5(8)
    • New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt text) 300-5(11)

Creation

  • Creation

    • printmaker: Rembrandt van Rijn
    • after design by Rembrandt van Rijn
  • Dating

    c. 1657

  • Search further with


Material and technique

  • Physical description

    etching, engraving and drypoint with plate tone, printed on Chinese paper

  • Dimensions

    height 149 mm x width 198 mm


This work is about

  • Subject


Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Mr and Mrs De Bruijn-van der Leeuw Bequest, Muri, Switzerland

  • Acquisition

    bequest 1961

  • Copyright


Documentation


Persistent URL