Artwork

The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt, by Unknown, 1809
The Flight into Egypt, by Unknown, 1809

The Flight into Egypt is a photography by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1809 by the artist identified as 3220_person, this oil painting titled “The Flight into Egypt” is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work portrays a nocturnal journey set within a quiet woodland, illuminated by a full moon that bathes the scene in soft light.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a woman clothed in a long robe cradling an infant, accompanied by a male figure wearing a hat and cloak, as they walk along a path. A dog lies at their feet, suggesting domestic companionship. The title links the figures to the biblical episode of the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt, emphasizing themes of protection and pilgrimage.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model forms, contrasting the moonlit highlights with deep shadows cast by the trees and figures. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional sense of space, guiding the eye toward the central group while preserving the tranquil atmosphere of the night landscape.

History & Provenance

Since its completion in the early nineteenth century, the painting has remained in the custody of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of European religious genre works. No record of earlier ownership or exhibition history has been documented publicly.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known