Artwork
The Flight into Egypt
The Flight into Egypt is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1662, this etching on laid paper depicts the biblical Flight into Egypt.
About this work
Overview
The composition balances narrative detail with a tranquil atmosphere, characteristic of mid‑seventeenth‑century religious prints.
Created circa 1662, this etching on laid paper depicts the biblical Flight into Egypt. Executed by Stefano della Bella, a prolific Florentine draughtsman, the print presents a family traveling on a donkey, accompanied by hovering angels bearing wreaths, against a landscape of trees and hills. The composition balances narrative detail with a tranquil atmosphere, characteristic of mid‑seventeenth‑century religious prints.
Subject & Meaning
The image illustrates the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt, a theme drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. The male figure, likely Joseph, guides the donkey while holding a staff, suggesting protection. Mary cradles the infant Jesus, and a younger child clings to her, emphasizing familial unity. The angels above, holding wreaths, convey divine guidance and blessing for the journey.
Technique & Style
Della Bella employed the etching process, incising lines into a copper plate that were then transferred onto laid paper. The print’s fine linear work renders intricate folds of clothing, foliage, and architectural elements, creating a dense yet orderly surface. Such detailed line work aligns with the broader 1600s printmaking aesthetic, where artists emphasized texture and narrative clarity through controlled hatching and cross‑hatching.
History & Provenance
The work is a restrike, indicating it was printed after the original plate’s initial edition, a common practice to meet demand for popular subjects. Stefano della Bella produced over a thousand prints during his career, and this piece reflects his extensive output in religious subjects alongside his more frequent military and genre scenes. Its survival in museum collections attests to the lasting interest in his printmaking.
Context
In the mid‑17th century, religious prints served both devotional and didactic purposes, circulating widely among believers. Della Bella, based in Florence, operated within a vibrant print market that catered to collectors across Europe. The Flight into Egypt, a frequent motif, allowed artists to explore themes of exile, protection, and divine providence, resonating with contemporary audiences facing political and social upheaval.
Artist & collection
Artist
Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
