Who painted Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt was painted by Jean Charles Cazin in 1888.

Where can I see Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is associated with Naturalism.

Can I buy a print of Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Museum-quality prints of Rest on the Flight into Egypt are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Jean Charles Cazin , 1888

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an oil painting by the Naturalist artist Jean Charles Cazin. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.: 101781
Credit line: Bequest of Mrs. E. P. Renouf

About this work

Overview

Rest on the Flight into Egypt, an 1888 oil on canvas painting by Jean Charles Cazin, depicts a serene moment from a biblical narrative. The work is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a quiet, intimate scene from the Flight into Egypt, where a weary woman (presumably the Virgin Mary) cradles a baby (Jesus) while a man (Joseph) rests beside her, accompanied by a donkey. The portrayal emphasizes the human, everyday aspect of the biblical figures, conveying exhaustion and the need for rest.

Technique & Style

Cazin employs muted, dreamy colors and soft evening light to create a sense of calm. The composition avoids sharp lines, instead using subtle transitions between light and shadow, reminiscent of chiaroscuro techniques, to imbue the scene with a sense of gentle realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1888, the painting is now held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, though specific details of its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided here.

Context

While rooted in a biblical story, the painting's focus on the mundane aspects of the characters' experience reflects a late 19th-century artistic interest in humanizing religious subjects, blending the sacred with the ordinary.

Legacy

The painting's legacy lies in its nuanced interpretation of a well-known biblical theme, offering a contemplative, relatable portrayal that has resonated with viewers, though it does not drastically alter the broader narrative of religious art.