Public domain
The adoration of the shepherds: a night piece
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Upon learning of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds journeyed to Bethlehem and found him with his parents in a stable. Rembrandt could not have portrayed the scene as any darker or more tranquil than this. The lantern carried by the arriving shepherds illuminates Mary, who had already fallen asleep. Joseph, reading by the soft glow of his own lamp, looks up with surprise.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineDe aanbidding der herders: nachtstuk. c. 1657. Rembrandt van Rijn. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
