The Flight into Egypt
1753
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
1753
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
This painting depicts a serene scene of a family on the move, with a woman holding a baby and a man guiding them forward. The woman wears a blue headscarf, while the man sports a brown robe and carries a staff. Two young boys are also present, one of whom is being led by the man. A donkey stands behind them, and a halo surrounds the baby's head. In the background, angels are visible, and a bright light shines down. The scene is rendered in warm, earthy tones, with the figures set against a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky. The overall mood is one of gentle movement and quiet contemplation. For more on the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark, explore the works of artists who have mastered this approach.
