Artwork
The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece
The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Rembrandt made this in 1651, using three printmaking methods—etching, burin, and drypoint—to layer shadows and light.
A family walks through the dark, guided only by a faint glow. Joseph leads a donkey carrying Mary and baby Jesus, while an angel hovers above, pointing the way. The scene feels quiet and secretive, like a moment stolen from time.
Rembrandt made this in 1651, using three printmaking methods—etching, burin, and drypoint—to layer shadows and light. The drypoint lines are soft and fuzzy, almost like charcoal, giving the night a dreamy, smudged look. He didn’t show grand drama, just a small group moving through the unknown.
If you like how he plays with light and shadow, look up *etching*.
Overview
The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece is a 1651 print by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed in etching, burin, and drypoint on yellowish paper.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting a pivotal biblical moment, the work shows Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and the infant Jesus through darkness, guided by a faint, heavenly light and an angel's direction. The scene conveys a sense of quiet urgency and intimacy.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt combined etching, burin, and drypoint to achieve deep, layered shadows and soft, glowing light. Notably, the drypoint lines produce a fuzzy, charcoal-like effect, imbuing the night scene with a dreamy, indistinct quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1651, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
This print exemplifies Rembrandt's experimentation with light and shadow, characteristic of his mature style. The subdued tone reflects his focus on emotional depth over grand narrative drama.
Legacy
The piece showcases Rembrandt's innovative printmaking techniques, particularly his manipulation of light, which has been a subject of interest for those studying etching and the artist's oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
The Flight into Egypt
The Triumph of Mordecai
The Flight into Egypt: Crossing a Brook
The Flight into Egypt: Crossing a Brook
The Flight into Egypt: Small
The Flight, Joseph at Right and Mary and Angel at Left
The Strolling Musicians
The Flight into Egypt: The Flight with the Madonna at Right Supported by Angels
The Holy Family Preparing to Embark
The Flight with Joseph in the Foreground
The Strolling Musicians
The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece