The Adoration of the Shepherds

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

RP-P-1992-14

The adoration of the shepherds has often been depicted in graphic art. Rembrandt’s version is exceptional for the extreme rendering of the nocturnal gloom in the stable. To achieve this velvety darkness, he successively reduced the light in subsequent states. In this impression, he intensified the shadow around Joseph, so that only his book and the faces of Mary and the Christ Child are still illuminated.

Hollstein Dutch 46-2(8)

• print maker: Rembrandt van Rijn, Netherlands
• after own design by: after design of Rembrandt van Rijn

c. 1657

ets, droge naald en burijn, met plaattoon

height 150 mm x width 199 mm

purchase 1992

Public domain

• Hollstein Dutch 46-2(8)
• Bartsch 46-2(8)
• New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt text) 300-2(11)

To refer to this object, please use the following persistent URL:

https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200124815