Artwork
Roundel with the Flight into Egypt
Roundel with the Flight into Egypt is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1493 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This circular painting presents a landscape scene featuring two distinct groups of figures.
About this work
Overview
The background includes a small church situated on a hill, surrounded by trees and traversed by a winding path.
This circular painting presents a landscape scene featuring two distinct groups of figures. In the foreground, a woman cradles a small child, both distinguished by golden halos. Nearby, a man clad in armor kneels beside a prominent, tall cross. The background includes a small church situated on a hill, surrounded by trees and traversed by a winding path. The artwork is titled Roundel with the Flight into Egypt.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork, known as Roundel with the Flight into Egypt, depicts a woman and child, identifiable by their halos, suggesting a religious narrative. Their presence, alongside a man in armor kneeling before a tall cross, creates a complex visual composition. While the title points to the biblical journey of Mary and Jesus, the inclusion of the armored figure and the prominent cross introduces additional layers of potential interpretation within the overall scene.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a round format, known as a roundel, to frame the depicted scene. The composition highlights a contrast in the figures' postures: the woman appears serene, while the armored man conveys tension. Strategic use of light and shadow, a technique often referred to as chiaroscuro, is evident in how illumination falls upon their faces, contributing significantly to the depth and three-dimensionality of the painted forms.
Artist & collection
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