Who painted The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt was painted by Simone Cantarini in 1630.

Where can I see The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Simone Cantarini , 1630

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1630, *The Rest on the Flight into Egypt* is an etching by Simone Cantarini, an Italian artist active in Bologna. The print portrays a weary mother and child seated on a rugged hillside, surrounded by loosely rendered trees. Cantarini’s work merges the disciplined classicism of his Bolognese training with the emotive vigor typical of early Baroque art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of pause during the biblical journey of the Holy Family. The mother, turned away and slumped, conveys fatigue, while the infant clings to her, emphasizing human vulnerability amid divine exile. The stark landscape and wind‑tossed foliage heighten the sense of hardship and the need for refuge.

Technique & Style

Executed with acid‑etched lines, the image relies on swift, sketch‑like strokes that suggest movement rather than precise detail. This approach yields a luminous, delicate tonal range, allowing the figures to emerge from a loosely defined environment. The energetic handling of line reflects the Baroque emphasis on drama and emotional immediacy.

History & Provenance

Cantarini, also known as il Pesarese, was principally celebrated for his history paintings and portraiture. Though his reputation rests on larger canvases, this print demonstrates his facility with graphic media. The etching entered the European print market shortly after its production, circulating among collectors interested in Bolognese art of the early seventeenth century.