The adoration of the shepherds: a night piece c. 1657

"The Adoration of the Shepherds: A Night Piece" is an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1657 and currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts the biblical event of the shepherds' visit to the newborn Christ, set against a dark background illuminated by a single lantern. Rembrandt masterfully uses chiaroscuro, his signature technique, to create a sense of depth and drama, emphasizing the mystical atmosphere of the scene. The print exemplifies Rembrandt’s late style, characterized by expressive lines and the use of dark tones to capture the essence of the moment.