Who painted The Rest on the Flight into Egypt?

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt was painted by Simone Cantarini in 1639.

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 , 1639

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Simone Cantarini’s 1639 etching, *The Rest on the Flight into Egypt*, portrays the Holy Family taking a moment of repose amid their journey to Egypt. Executed on laid paper, the image presents a tranquil, natural landscape in which Mary cradles the infant Jesus, Joseph watches nearby, and an angel hovers with a palm branch, evoking a sense of divine guardianship.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates a traditional biblical episode in which the Virgin, child, and Joseph pause during their exile. The inclusion of an angel bearing a palm—a symbol of triumph and peace—underscores the protective role of the heavenly realm, while the calm demeanor of the figures invites contemplation of faith and perseverance.

Technique & Style

Cantarini combines etching with drypoint, allowing for fine, luminous lines and subtle tonal variations that give the scene depth and texture. The delicate handling of light and shadow reflects his synthesis of Bolognese classicism and a naturalistic observation of the surrounding foliage, characteristic of his printmaking approach.

History & Provenance

Born in Pesaro, Cantarini was active in the early seventeenth century, producing both paintings and prints. This particular etching, dated 1639, belongs to a period when he was exploring narrative subjects through print, complementing his larger history paintings and portrait commissions.

Context

The composition aligns with Baroque sensibilities, emphasizing movement within stillness and a rich, atmospheric setting. While the subject is a common theme in religious art, Cantarini’s treatment distinguishes itself through the intimate scale of the print and the nuanced interplay of figures within a verdant environment.