Artwork
Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Gregorio Lazzarini. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Gregorio Lazzarini, a Venetian painter active at the turn of the 18th century, completed the canvas *Rest on the Flight into Egypt* in 1696. The work belongs to the collection of the Alte Pinakothek and portrays a brief pause during the Holy Family’s exile, rendered in the early Baroque idiom that characterises Lazzarini’s output.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the Virgin Mary seated on a rock, cradling the infant Jesus, while Saint Joseph stands behind her, his features concealed in shadow. Their subdued gestures and the mother’s downward gaze convey a moment of quiet devotion and protection amid the peril of their journey.
Technique & Style
Lazzarini employs a restrained chiaroscuro, allowing light to fall gently on the figures and recede into the surrounding foliage. This modulation of tone creates a palpable sense of volume and spatial depth, while the muted palette and soft illumination reinforce the intimate atmosphere of the scene.
History & Provenance
After its creation in Venice, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Bavarian State. It has been part of the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings since the museum’s early acquisitions, where it remains on display as an example of late 17th‑century Italian religious art.
Context
Lazzarini’s work reflects the broader trends of early Baroque painting in Italy, where religious narratives were often infused with naturalistic detail and dramatic lighting. The *Rest on the Flight into Egypt* aligns with contemporary depictions of the Holy Family’s exile, emphasizing human tenderness over overt theatricality.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gregorio Lazzarini (1657 – 10 November 1730) was an Italian painter of mythological, religious and historical subjects, as well as portraits.













