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

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an etching on laid paper created by Simone Cantarini around 1630. This print captures a poignant moment from the biblical narrative of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts the Holy Family resting under a tree during their flight. The composition conveys exhaustion and intimacy, with the Virgin leaning against the tree, her head bowed, and the Child clinging to her. The scene emphasizes the human, vulnerable aspect of the biblical figures.

Technique & Style

Cantarini employed sharp, jagged lines to evoke movement and fatigue. Characteristic of etching techniques, these expressive lines were achieved by scratching the design into a metal plate before inking and printing on laid paper. The style blends the classicism of the Bolognese school with a naturalistic approach.

History & Provenance

Simone Cantarini, also known as il Pesarese, was an Italian painter and etcher active in the early 17th century. Born in Pesaro, his work is noted for achieving delicate, luminous effects in printmaking. The exact provenance of *The Rest on the Flight into Egypt* is not detailed here, focusing instead on the artist’s broader contribution to etching.

Context

Created circa 1630, this etching reflects the artistic trends of its time, combining the elegance of Bolognese classicism with the emerging emphasis on naturalism. It also speaks to the enduring popularity of biblical themes in early 17th-century Italian art.

Legacy

While specific details on the etching’s direct influence are not provided, Cantarini’s innovative use of etching techniques to capture nuanced, emotional scenes contributed to the evolution of printmaking in Italy during the Baroque period.