The Star of the Kings

The Star of the Kings is a 17th century genre painting by Dutch artist Hans Bollongier that is owned by the Birmingham Museum of Art. The work, executed in oil on panel, depicts a group of Twelfth Night carolers performing on a street under an illuminated paper star, representing the Star of David.

The singers, adults and children, are bathed in the glow from their star-shaped lantern and are caught with their heads back and their mouths open, singing loudly. A dark cloaked figure slinking away in the middle ground may represent the evil spirits supposed to be driven out of towns by the singing.

The painting was given to the museum by Mr and Mrs Jelks Cabaniss Jr in 1975.