Rest on the Flight into Egypt
1598
oil
From the collection of Mauritshuis
1598
oil
From the collection of Mauritshuis
Rest on the Flight into Egypt is a 1598 oil by Jan Brueghel, the elder, a Flemish Baroque painting work, held at Mauritshuis.
This painting depicts a serene scene of the Holy Family resting during their flight into Egypt. In the foreground, Mary sits on the ground, cradling the baby Jesus in her arms, while Joseph kneels beside her, holding a staff. Above them, two cherubs float in mid-air, one holding a garland of flowers and the other a bouquet. The background features a tranquil landscape with a river flowing through it, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The sky above is a soft blue, dotted with a few birds in flight. The artist's use of warm colors and gentle lighting creates a sense of peace and tranquility, inviting the viewer to step into the serene world of the painting. To learn more about the artist's techniques, look up chiaroscuro.