Artwork

Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt

Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1647
Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1647

Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

The painting 'Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt' is a 1647 oil-on-canvas work by Jacob Jordaens, a prominent Flemish Baroque artist.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts the Holy Family's journey into Egypt, as described in the Bible. The scene includes the family, accompanied by an angel and other figures, set within a landscape.

Technique & Style

Jordaens employed chiaroscuro to create a contrast between light and dark areas, drawing attention to the figures' faces and clothing. The use of oil paint allowed for detailed rendering of textures and expressions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1647, the painting is characteristic of Jordaens' style, which flourished after the deaths of Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, making him a leading painter in Flanders.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Jordaens

Artist

Jacob Jordaens

Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Walters Art Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.