The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
1630
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1630
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows the Virgin Mary resting with baby Jesus under a tree while Joseph naps nearby. The tree gives shade but also hints at the future cross. The lines are sharp and clean, a technique called drypoint. The artist scratched the metal plate so the ink catches in little burrs, making the shadows look fuzzy. Look up the technique called drypoint next.
