Artwork
The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1649 by the artist known as 933_person, this oil painting titled *The Flight into Egypt* is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a nocturnal, rocky setting populated by four figures, arranged in a composition that emphasizes the dramatic moment of departure.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a biblical episode in which a family escapes to Egypt. A woman cradles an infant, while another kneels nearby, extending a hand, suggesting prayer or supplication. A standing male figure watches from a distance, his gaze directed downward, adding a sense of vigilance and tension to the narrative.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a stark chiaroscuro, contrasting bright illumination on the faces with deep shadows that engulf the surrounding terrain. Rough, expressive brushstrokes convey the ruggedness of the landscape, while the focused lighting draws attention to the emotional expressions of the characters, heightening the overall drama.
History & Provenance
The painting has been housed in the Museum of Ethnography since its acquisition, though the precise path it followed before reaching the museum is not documented in the available records. Its dating to the mid‑17th century places it within a period of heightened interest in biblical themes across European art.
Artist & collection



















