The Adoration of the Shepherds: a Night Piece

c. 1652

Rembrandt van Rijn

Associated Names
Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist, Dutch, 1606 - 1669

This is a painting of a dimly lit night scene with figures gathered around a light source. The artwork uses chiaroscuro to highlight the central action with a lantern illuminating a group of figures on the left side while leaving the rest of the composition in deep shadow. Some figures appear to be looking towards or holding the light, with others partially obscured by the darkness. This is in the style of Rembrandt, known for his use of light and shadow to create dramatic scenes. The contrast focuses the viewer’s attention on the drama unfolding in the illuminated area, with textures and details revealed only within the reach of the lantern's glow.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, drypoint and burin on japan paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.7118

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    White/Boon 1969, no. 46, State vii/viii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph von Camesina [d. 1827], Vienna (Lugt 429); August Artaria [1807-1893], Vienna (Lugt 33); (sale, C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, May 7-9, 1928, lot 948; purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA (Lugt 1760b); gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1930

  • Prints and Drawings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, 1930

  • Rembrandt Etchings: Lent by Mr. Lessing J. Rosenwald, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 1930.

1932

  • Etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Art Galleries, Washington, D.C., 1932.

1946

  • The Christmas Story in Prints, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1946-1947, no catalogue.

  • The Life of Christ as Depicted in the Etchings of Rembrandt, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1946, no cat.

1947

  • Loan Exhibition of Paintings by Frans Hals and Rembrandt, Los Angeles County Museum, 1947, no. 29.

1957

  • Christmas Exhibition, Currier Gallery of Art, Manchester, NH, 1957, no catalogue.

1961

  • University of Notre Dame Art Gallery, South Bend, IN, 1961.

  • Rembrandt's Etchings, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1961-1962.

1969

  • Rembrandt in the National Gallery of Art [Commemorating the Tercentenary of the Artist's Death], National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1969, no. 98, 67.

  • Rembrandt: Experimental Etcher, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, NY, 1969-1970, no. 39, repro.

1973

  • Etchings by Rembrandt, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1973, no catalogue.

2006

  • Strokes of Genius: Rembrandt's Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Bibliography

1923

  • Hind, Arthur M. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1923.

1969

  • White, Christopher and Karel G. Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Van Gendt & Co., 1969.

1991

  • Martz, Louis L. From Renaissance to Baroque: Essays on Literature and Art. Columbia, Missouri, 1991: fig. 14.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1993: no. 300, vii/xi.

Wikidata ID

Q65024564

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