Artwork

The Rest on the Flight to Egypt

The Rest on the Flight to Egypt, by Pieter Lastman, paint, 1608
The Rest on the Flight to Egypt, by Pieter Lastman, paint, 1608

The Rest on the Flight to Egypt is a paint painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pieter Lastman. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1608 by Dutch artist Pieter Lastman, *The Rest on the Flight to Egypt* is an early Baroque painting depicting a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. Characterized by meticulous figure rendering, the work showcases Lastman's signature style within the historical genre.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a serene moment from the Holy Family's journey to Egypt, featuring the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, while Saint Joseph looks on, engaging the viewer. This intimate scene conveys themes of refuge and familial bond.

Technique & Style

Lastman employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and emphasize the central figures, set against a lush, wooded landscape with distant architectural elements. Warm hues and soft illumination evoke serenity, underscoring the tender interaction within the Holy Family.

History & Provenance

Created in 1608, the painting is now part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, reflecting its significance within early 17th-century European art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Pieter Lastman

Pieter Lastman (1583–1633) was a Dutch painter. Lastman is considered important because of his work as a painter of history pieces and because his pupils included Rembrandt and Jan Lievens. In his paintings Lastman paid…

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