Artwork
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Female Half-Lengths. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work's religious genre underscores its devotional purpose, inviting contemplation of the Holy Family's reliance on providence.
The painting illustrates the episode known as the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, showing the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, pausing during their journey to safety. Set within a broad landscape, the scene emphasizes the vulnerability and humanity of the sacred trio while evoking themes of divine protection, refuge, and the humble circumstances surrounding Christ's early life. The work's religious genre underscores its devotional purpose, inviting contemplation of the Holy Family's reliance on providence.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1525, this work is an oil painting applied on a wooden panel support. The piece measures 59.4 by 71.1 centimeters and exemplifies the religious landscape genre. Attributed to the Master of the Female Half-Lengths, the composition depicts the Holy Family resting within a natural setting.
The application of oil paint on panel was a standard technique for Netherlandish artists of this period, allowing for the detailed rendering of both figural and environmental elements characteristic of the master's style.
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to the Master of the Female Half-Lengths and dated to 1525, consistent with the period associated with this anonymous Netherlandish painter. It was owned by the American collector Louisine Havemeyer before entering the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been held since the early 20th century. The available sources do not record a specific accession number or any exhibition history beyond its place in the permanent collection.
Overview
This oil painting, titled "The Rest on the Flight into Egypt," was created in 1525 by the artist known as the Master of the Female Half-Lengths. Currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the work presents a religious scene centered on the Holy Family. It captures a moment of quiet contemplation and rest during their biblical journey, rendered with a focus on both the figures and their surrounding environment.
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Female Half-Lengths
The Master of the Female Half-Lengths is a notname coined by the German art historian Max J.
- The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
The Rest on The Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest during the Flight to Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest in flight
The Virgin and Child in a Landscape
The Holy Family
Rest on the Flight into Egypt