The Star of the Kings: A Night Piece c. 1651

This etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, entitled *The Star of the Kings: A Night Piece*, depicts the biblical event of the three wise men following the star of Bethlehem. The artwork, created around 1651, utilizes dramatic chiaroscuro, a signature technique of Rembrandt, to illuminate the figures and the star in the foreground, while the surrounding environment remains shrouded in darkness. The composition is filled with a sense of mystery and awe, reflecting the importance of the event for both Christian viewers and artists alike. This etching, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Rembrandt's mastery of the medium, particularly in capturing light and shadow.