Artwork

The Star of Kings: A Night Piece

The Star of Kings: A Night Piece, by Rembrandt, 1651
The Star of Kings: A Night Piece, by Rembrandt, 1651

The Star of Kings: A Night Piece is a print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Star of Kings: A Night Piece is a print by Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1651. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dimly lit room with a single star shining through a window, illuminating a seated figure's face with a starburst above. The stark contrast between light and darkness draws attention to the figure.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to direct the viewer's eye. Deep shadows dominate the room, while the star's light creates a focal point on the figure's face.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.