DISCOVERART

Jan van de Velde, II

The Star of the Magi

c. 1616
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
16.3 × 21.6 cm (6.4 × 8.5 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Here Jan van de Velde the Younger engraved the earliest known print of so-called star-singers on Twelfth Night. This secular celebration mimicked the journey of the Three Magi, or kings, who followed the miraculous star of Bethlehem to the infant Christ. Popular in the 17th-century Dutch Republic, this Epiphany festival, held on January 6, grew beyond the church. It consisted of two parts: an indoor family feast crowning a king chosen by lottery, and a nighttime parade of singers carrying a candle-lit star from door to door. Unlike the generous Magi, the singers demanded gifts as they progressed, illuminated by their glowing paper star.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Jan van de Velde, II

River LandscapeRiver LandscapeEarth, from The Four ElementsEarth, from The Four ElementsWater, plate three from The Four ElementsWater, plate three from The Four ElementsTravellers in Front of the Minerva Medica Temple in RomeTravellers in Front of the Minerva Medica Temple in RomeDilapidated Hut, Plate 4 from LandscapesDilapidated Hut, Plate 4 from LandscapesHerd of Cattle at a Ford Near a WatermillHerd of Cattle at a Ford Near a WatermillAir (with a view of Haarlem), from The Four ElementsAir (with a view of Haarlem), from The Four ElementsLime-Kiln in Stormy Weather, from Six LandscapesLime-Kiln in Stormy Weather, from Six Landscapes

More like this

Star of Kings, A Night PieceJan van de Velde (Dutch, 1620–1662) — Star of Kings, A NighThe Passion: Christ before CaiaphasHendrick Goltzius (Dutch, 1558–1617) — The Passion: Christ bScene 28: The Blessed Abbot having retired to the Château de Montaigu, soldiers of the league arrive to capture him as he leaves. A piece of wood falls from on high and scatters the soldiers and wounds the Holy Abbot, whom they leave for dead; he is miraculously cured and escapesMatthieu Elias|Reverend Jean de la Barrière — Scene 28: The Soldiers pillaging a townAnonymous, 17th century — Soldiers pillaging a townOne Never Thinks About It At AllGabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin — One Never Thinks About It AEcce Homo, plate eight from The Passion of ChristHendrick Goltzius — Ecce Homo, plate eight from The Passion Shylock's House–Shylock, Jessica and Launcelot (Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 5)Shearjashub Spooner|John & Josiah Boydell|William ShakespearReynard the Fox: Reynard Tricks the WolfAllart van Everdingen (Dutch, 1621–1675) — Reynard the Fox: Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, from the series 'The little apostles' (Les petits apôtres)Jacques Callot|Israël Henriet — Martyrdom of Saint BartholomChrist Before Pilate: Large PlateRembrandt van Rijn — Christ Before Pilate: Large PlateMarguerite at the Church, from FaustEugène Delacroix — Marguerite at the Church, from FaustNight, plate four from The Four Times of the DayWilliam Hogarth — Night, plate four from The Four Times of t