Artwork
The Flight into Egypt: The Large Tree and the Cascade

The Flight into Egypt: The Large Tree and the Cascade is a print by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Flight into Egypt: The Large Tree and the Cascade, a print by Herman van Swanevelt dating to circa 1653, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It depicts a serene, natural scene of a family's journey.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a biblical narrative: the Holy Family's escape into Egypt. A man leads a donkey carrying a child, with another child walking alongside, set amidst a dense woodland and a rocky, flowing stream.
Technique & Style
Van Swanevelt employed fine, detailed linework to achieve deep shadows and textured renderings, particularly in the foliage and rocky terrain, lending the composition a sense of three-dimensionality.
History & Provenance
Created around 1653, the work is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific details of its historical ownership or exhibitions are not provided in the available information.
Context
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark (chiaroscuro) was a prevalent artistic technique during the 17th century, used here to add drama and depth to the serene, natural setting of the biblical scene.
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