Rest on the Flight into Egypt (1650–59)
Original title: Rest on the Flight into Egypt
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike related prints that treat the Flight into Egypt as mere landscape decoration, this engraving by Anthony van Dyck gives center stage to the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—resting beneath a large tree, surrounded by putti. Made between 1650 and 1659, this second-state engraving measures 44.2 x 57 cm.
Description
Beneath a spreading tree with thick foliage, the Holy Family has settled. Mountains and a cloud-filled sky form the backdrop. Around the group, several putti frolic: some carry fruit and flowers, others converse or move about. More putti hover in the clouds. The gray tones of the monochrome print, along with delicate lines and shading, give the figures a sense of volume.
Context
This engraving was made after 1650, following van Dyck's death in 1641, and likely derives from a lost or known composition by the artist. Van Dyck was a renowned Flemish Baroque painter, and his works were often engraved by other artists to spread his fame. The Rest on the Flight was a popular subject in 17th-century Catholic art. The second state of the print indicates that the plate was reworked, pointing to a later edition.
Impact
The calm arrangement of the figures and the idyllic landscape make the sheet appear harmonious and peaceful. Despite its monochrome execution, the fine lines and nuanced shading lend it an almost painterly quality. The putti add a cheerful, almost playful note that invites the viewer to discover the details.
Technique
This work is an engraving, a technique in which the drawing is incised into a copper plate. The second state means the plate was reworked after the first pull, for example with additional engraving or corrections. It is printed in black on paper, creating the monochrome effect with various shades of gray.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)