Who painted Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt was painted by Orazio Gentileschi in 1622-01-01.

Where can I see Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

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

Orazio Gentileschi , 1622

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Orazio Gentileschi. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This iconography combines the figures of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph, emphasizing the tenderness of maternal care and the humanity of the divine child.

The work shows the Holy Family in a moment of rest during their flight into Egypt, with Mary nursing the infant Christ. This iconography combines the figures of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph, emphasizing the tenderness of maternal care and the humanity of the divine child. The scene functions as a devotional image that highlights themes of protection, domestic sanctity, and the intimate bonds of the sacred family, reflecting Counter-Reformation interests in family piety.

The composition uses a simple, intimate setting to draw the viewer into a contemplative meditation on the holy family's vulnerability and love.

History & Provenance

Orazio Gentileschi created the oil-on-canvas painting Rest on the Flight into Egypt in 1622. The work measures 54 cm in height and 85 cm in width. Its ownership history includes George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, followed by Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria and Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor.

The painting is currently held by the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Exhibition history for the work is not recorded in the available sources.

Overview

Orazio Gentileschi, an Italian painter from Tuscany, completed Rest on the Flight into Egypt in 1622. This oil painting exemplifies the early Italian Baroque movement, depicting the Holy Family during their journey. The work showcases Gentileschi's mature style, characterized by a move towards a more naturalistic representation of figures and scenes, a departure from earlier Mannerist conventions. It is currently housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Technique & Style

Gentileschi's artistic approach in this work reflects his embrace of naturalism, influenced by Caravaggio. The scene unfolds in a dimly lit setting, where dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, define the forms. Soft illumination highlights the Virgin Mary's face, the child's body, and her hair, making them prominent against the deep background.

This technique draws the viewer's attention to the central figures and their emotional interaction, enhancing the painting's dramatic impact.

Context

Born in 1563, Orazio Gentileschi initially worked within the Mannerist tradition. However, around 1600, his style underwent a significant transformation after encountering the innovative naturalism of Caravaggio. This shift is evident in Rest on the Flight into Egypt, where he adopted a more direct and realistic portrayal of subjects, moving away from the artificiality often associated with Mannerism. This evolution positioned him as a key figure in the development of early Baroque painting.