Rest on the Flight into Egypt
1509
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1509
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This woodcut shows a crowded tree full of people and animals. At the base, a woman sits holding a baby while a man plays a lute. Cherubs climb the branches, and a small town sits in the distance. The lines are sharp and busy, with lots of tiny details. The scene mixes a biblical story with a forest full of symbols—like the cherubs and the lute-playing man. It’s packed with hidden meaning, not just a straightforward scene. Next, check out Renaissance art to see how artists used symbols like this.
