Artwork
The Flight into Egypt
The Flight into Egypt is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hendrik Goudt. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hendrik Goudt’s 1613 engraving titled *The Flight into Egypt* depicts the biblical journey of the Holy Family under cover of night. Executed on laid paper, the print presents a tranquil nocturnal landscape where the central figures—Joseph, Mary, and the infant—are positioned before a watery foreground, framed by trees and distant hills.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates the escape of the Holy Family from Bethlehem, emphasizing the intimate bond between the parents and child. The subdued lighting and sparse stars convey both the peril of their flight and the protective calm surrounding them, inviting contemplation of divine guidance in adversity.
Technique & Style
Goudt employs fine cross‑hatching and varied line work to model forms and suggest atmospheric depth. The engraving’s tonal gradations, achieved through dense parallel strokes, render the darkness of night, the shimmer of water, and the texture of foliage, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of the medium.
History & Provenance
Created in 1613, the print reflects the early 17th‑century Dutch interest in religious subjects rendered for a broad audience. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is known from several museum collections and has been cited in catalogues of Goudt’s oeuvre.
Context
During the period, engravings served both devotional and didactic purposes, circulating biblical narratives beyond painted altarpieces. Goudt’s *Flight into Egypt* aligns with contemporary Northern European prints that combined detailed naturalism with spiritual themes, catering to private contemplation.
Legacy
The print remains a reference point for studies of early Dutch engraving, illustrating how line and texture can convey narrative and mood without color. Its careful handling of light and shadow continues to inform discussions of printmaking techniques in the early modern era.
Artist & collection
