Artwork
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Hans Rottenhammer. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Hans Rottenhammer’s *Rest on the Flight into Egypt* (1598) is an oil painting of modest dimensions that exemplifies the early Baroque aesthetic as it was developing in Italy. Executed by the German-born artist, the work is part of the religious genre and is presently housed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The composition portrays the Holy Family taking a brief pause during their escape to Egypt, a narrative drawn from the New Testament. The Virgin, rendered in blue, cradles the infant Jesus, while Joseph, dressed in red and gold, stands protectively nearby. Their tranquil moment is surrounded by a verdant landscape that underscores the theme of divine refuge.
Technique & Style
Rottenhammer employs a refined chiaroscuro, allowing light to illuminate the figures and create a gentle contrast with the shaded areas. Soft, blended colors and smooth brushwork give the scene a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere, while the delicate rendering of cherubic figures and floral details reflects his meticulous approach.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1598, the painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on works that bridge Northern European precision with Italian Baroque sensibilities.
Context
Rottenhammer, active in the late 16th century, was known for integrating the detailed finish characteristic of German art with the emerging dynamism of Italian Baroque. This synthesis is evident in the balanced composition, the lush natural setting, and the subtle emotional tone of the work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Rottenhammer, or Hans Rottenhammer (1564 – 14 August 1625), was a German painter. He specialized in highly finished paintings on a small scale.
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Madonna and Child, St John the Baptist and Angels
The Flight into Egypt
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Madonna and Christ Child, with St John the Baptist and Angels
Rest on the Flight into Egypt
The Holy Family under the Apple Tree