Who painted The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt was painted by Claude Lorrain in 1682.

Where can I see The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is associated with Baroque.

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

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

Artwork

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Claude Lorrain , 1682

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1682 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is a drawing by Claude Lorrain, executed in 1682 on blue laid paper using a combination of pen and brown ink, gray and blue wash, graphite, and white gouache. This artwork exemplifies Lorrain's characteristic blend of naturalistic landscape and figurative elements.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene moment from the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, with the three figures resting under a tree beside a calm lake. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and refuge, emphasizing the human aspect of the biblical narrative within a idyllic setting.

Technique & Style

Lorrain employed his distinctive technique to capture light and nature. Soft blues and grays dominate the sky, with expressive cloud formations. The natural setting is meticulously detailed, while the figures, highlighted with lighter tones, maintain a sense of calm. The use of white gouache accents the tree's branches and the figures' faces, enhancing the overall luminosity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1682, this work reflects Lorrain's later period. Born circa 1600 in the Duchy of Lorraine, the artist spent most of his career in Italy, developing a style that integrated small, often biblical, figures into expansive landscapes.

Context

This drawing aligns with the Baroque era's emphasis on emotional depth and naturalism. Lorrain's approach to lighting and his harmonious balance of figures within landscape were influential in 17th-century European art, particularly in the development of landscape painting.

Legacy

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt contributes to Lorrain's legacy as a master of capturing the interplay between light, nature, and human presence. His techniques for rendering atmospheric effects and serene landscapes have been studied and admired by subsequent generations of artists.