The Flight into Egypt, from The Life of the Virgin, from the Latin Edition
Original title: The Flight into Egypt, from The Life of the Virgin, from the Latin Edition
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1511, depicts the Flight into Egypt from his Life of the Virgin series. It shows the Holy Family's journey, with Mary and Joseph riding donkeys, while angels hover above and other figures kneel in the background. The print is notable for its detailed landscape and balanced composition.
Description
In the foreground, two figures ride donkeys, one wearing a hat and apron, the other carrying a pack; they gaze toward the background where figures kneel in prayer. Palm trees and lush vegetation frame the scene, evoking the Egyptian setting. Above, angels float in a sky with evenly distributed light, typical of woodcut prints. The composition is symmetrical, with the riders on the left and the kneeling figures on the right, creating a sense of narrative depth.
Context
Dürer created this woodcut as part of his Life of the Virgin series, a set of 20 scenes published in 1511. The series was highly popular and helped establish Dürer's reputation as a master printmaker. The Flight into Egypt was a common theme in Renaissance art, symbolizing the Holy Family's escape from Herod's persecution. Dürer's depiction reflects both biblical narrative and contemporary devotional practices.
Impact
The print conveys a sense of orderly movement and spiritual reverence, with the riders' forward motion balanced by the static prayerful figures. The detailed landscape and angelic presence create a serene, almost idyllic atmosphere, inviting contemplation. Dürer's precise linework gives the scene a clarity that enhances its narrative and emotional resonance.
Technique
This is a woodcut, a relief printing technique where the image is carved into a wooden block, inked, and pressed onto paper. Dürer's skill in woodcut is evident in the fine lines and varied textures, from the foliage to the drapery. The evenly distributed light and lack of strong shadows are characteristic of the medium, relying on line density to suggest form and depth.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)