The Adoration of the Shepherds, c. 1656-1657
Rembrandt van Rijnexpand_more
Etching, drypoint, and engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jones, 1968expand_more P.68.405
Not on Viewexpand_more
Here Rembrandt challenged himself to suggest form simply through the way he dispersed light and dark. Works such as this and the nocturnal Rest on the Flight belong to his so-called dark manner. As if by some miracle of etching, the faces of Mary and the infant Jesus are visible through the thick veil of darkness, lit only by the shepherd's lantern and a light glowing off Joseph's Bible. The contrasting areas of light and dark can be read as epitomizing the hopefulness of Christ's birth and the suffering he will later endure on our behalf.
Details
- Title
- The Adoration of the Shepherds
- Artist Life
- 1606 - 1669
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.405
- Provenance
- Earl of Aylesford, (L. 58); Dr. C.D. Ginsburg, (L. 1145); Frederick Keppel, 1919
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hind 255 vi/viii; B. 46; Mz. 237 vi or vii/viii; Holl.vii/viii; B-B. 52-1 iv?/viiiH
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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