Who painted Rest on the Flight to Egypt?

Rest on the Flight to Egypt was painted by Luc-Olivier Merson in 1879.

Where can I see Rest on the Flight to Egypt?

Rest on the Flight to Egypt is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Rest on the Flight to Egypt?

Rest on the Flight to Egypt is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Rest on the Flight to Egypt

Luc-Olivier Merson , 1879

Rest on the Flight to Egypt is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Luc-Olivier Merson. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The sphinx wasn’t in the Bible story—he added it to make the moment feel grand and mysterious.

A tired Mary cradles baby Jesus while Joseph sleeps beside them. They rest inside the broken paw of a giant stone sphinx, its ancient face looming over them.

Merson painted this scene for the 1879 Paris Salon, where it became a hit. The sphinx wasn’t in the Bible story—he added it to make the moment feel grand and mysterious. The charcoal sketch might be a practice run for the final painting.

For more quiet, dreamy scenes like this, look up the subject *france, 19th- 20th century*.

Overview

The drawing 'Rest on the Flight to Egypt' is a charcoal work by Luc-Olivier Merson, related to a popular oil painting exhibited at the 1879 Paris Salon.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Holy Family resting within the broken paw of a colossal stone sphinx during their flight into Egypt, with Mary holding Jesus and Joseph sleeping nearby.

Technique & Style

The charcoal sketch may have been a preparatory study for the oil painting or a related print, or possibly an independent work, showcasing Merson's skill in rendering a serene and intimate scene within a monumental ancient setting.

History & Provenance

The associated oil painting was a notable success at the 1879 Paris Salon, and the drawing's creation is likely tied to this event.

Context

Merson's inclusion of a sphinx in the biblical scene adds a sense of grandeur and mystique, diverging from the traditional narrative.

Artist & collection

Artist

Luc-Olivier Merson

Luc-Olivier Merson (21 May 1846 - 13 November 1920) was a French academic painter and illustrator. He was also known for his postage stamp and currency designs.