Who painted The Flight into Egypt?

The Flight into Egypt was painted by Charles Poerson in 1648.

Where can I see The Flight into Egypt?

The Flight into Egypt is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

Artwork

The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt is an unspecified painting by Charles Poerson. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1648 by the French Baroque painter Charles Poerson, this oil painting portrays the biblical episode of the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt. Executed for a devotional context, the work now resides in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century religious compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, attended by a kneeling angel offering a dish and a contemplative Joseph seated to her right. A second angel in the distance carries a bundle, suggesting the journey ahead. The tranquil outdoor setting, with distant trees and a cloud‑filled sky, underscores themes of protection and divine guidance during exile.

Technique & Style

Poerson employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, allowing light to fall on the faces and drapery while deeper shadows recede, creating a palpable sense of volume. The subtle gradations of tone and the restrained palette contribute to an atmosphere of calm, emphasizing the spiritual serenity of the scene rather than dramatic action.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in the 19th century, where it has remained in public view. Charles Poerson, known also as the father and first instructor of the later painter Charles‑François Poerson, produced this work during the height of his career in mid‑17th‑century France, reflecting contemporary French interpretations of biblical narratives.