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

Simone Cantarini, an early‑17th‑century Italian artist from Pesaro, produced an etching titled *The Rest on the Flight into Egypt* around 1630. The print presents a quiet moment from the biblical journey, showing the Holy Family paused beside a tree in a rugged landscape. Executed in black ink on paper, the work exemplifies the intimate, narrative quality typical of Cantarini’s printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the Virgin Mary, the infant Jesus, and Saint Joseph taking a brief respite during their escape to Egypt. Mary is seated with a bundle, suggesting care for the child, while Joseph leans against the trunk, his head bowed in fatigue. The scene emphasizes human vulnerability within a sacred narrative, highlighting the protective role of the family amid danger.

Technique & Style

Cantarini employed fine, closely spaced scratches to render textures such as fabric folds, bark, and tangled foliage, creating a tactile surface despite the medium’s limitations. The use of sharp, dark lines defines the figures and landscape, while subtle variations in line density suggest light and depth, a hallmark of his delicate, luminous approach to etching.

History & Provenance

Created during Cantarini’s mature period, the etching reflects his synthesis of Bolognese classicism and naturalistic observation. Though primarily known as a painter, his prints were circulated among collectors of the time, contributing to his reputation as a skilled etcher. The work remains documented in several European print collections, attesting to its continued scholarly interest.