Artwork
The Flight into Egypt (La fuite en Egypte)
The Flight into Egypt (La fuite en Egypte) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claude Lorrain. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Flight into Egypt is an etching on laid paper created by Claude Lorrain, a French artist active in Italy, around 1632. It exemplifies his work as a printmaker, characteristic of the Baroque period.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene landscape with a family on a journey, identified by their actions and the presence of a donkey as the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, a narrative from Christian tradition.
Technique & Style
Claude Lorrain employed etching as the primary technique, with additional drypoint work to achieve fine textures. The combination of these methods allowed for a range of line qualities and tonal variations, enhancing the scene's depth and atmosphere.
Context
As a landscape-focused artist, Lorrain often incorporated biblical or classical themes into his work, elevating the genre of landscape painting. The Flight into Egypt reflects this approach, blending naturalistic detail with narrative content.
Artist & collection
Artist
Claude Lorrain (French: ; born Claude Gellée , called le Lorrain in French; traditionally just Claude in English; c.
