Code: 10193
Dimensions:
JAN VAN DE VELDE Delft 1593 – 1641 Enkhuizen
The Star of Kings, a night piece.
Engraving, after Pieter Molijn. Hollstein 149: ii/IV., thus before the addition of the posthumous address of Visscher. Provenance: Richard Leendertz (20th century), Lugt 1708; P. B. in an oval, mark not in Lugt; Emil Schröter (died 1912 Dresden), Lugt 2270. An extremely fine impression; trimmed to the platemark, with a fillet of blank paper around the image.
The Star of Kings refers to the Dutch festivities of the Christmas season, where a large star-shaped lantern is carried about as a festive accoutrement to parades and singing. As these festivities took place in the evening hours, they were the subject of several such prints, showing scenes with subtle and dramatic contrasts of light and dark, among them Rembrandt’s own etching and drypoint of circa 1651.
Sheet: 250 x 164 mm 9 7/8 x 6 ½ inches
