Artwork Page for Star of Kings, A Night Piece

Details / Information for Star of Kings, A Night Piece

Star of Kings, A Night Piece

1630

Jan van de Velde

(Dutch, 1620–1662)

after Pieter Molyn

(Dutch, 1595–1661)
Culture
Netherlands
Medium
engraving
Support
Laid paper
Measurements
Sheet: 20.8 x 16.4 cm (8 3/16 x 6 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 2003.45
Catalogue raisonné
Hollstein XXXIII.52.149
State
II/IV
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Star of Kings depicts the holiday of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, celebrated on January 6, and commemorates the journey of the three Maji to the Christ child, guided by the Star of Bethlehem. In 17th-century Netherlands, the event was recreated by townspeople who gathered at dusk and processed through the streets singing and carrying candles and torches, following one of the most prominent citizens who had the honor of holding the star.
A vertically oriented print in black ink depicts three figures in a dark doorway, shaded in high contrast. On the left, a man in a wide-brimmed hat faces two singers; one holds a glowing lantern, illuminating their open mouths and layered clothing. To the right, a dense crowd carries a large star-shaped lantern on a pole. Gabled houses and a dark sky fill the background, rendered in fine, dense cross-hatching.

Star of Kings, A Night Piece

1630

Jan van de Velde, Pieter Molyn

(Dutch, 1620–1662), (Dutch, 1595–1661)
Netherlands

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