Artwork

Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Hans Rottenhammer, ink, 1597
Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Hans Rottenhammer, ink, 1597

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Hans Rottenhammer. It dates from 1597 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink, brown wash over graphite, with selective corrections in white gouache. Created in 1597, the work captures a poignant moment of repose.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a weary woman kneeling beside a tree, cradling an infant, with a donkey standing nearby, its head lowered. The composition conveys a sense of fatigue and temporary respite during a journey, interpreted as a scene from the biblical Flight into Egypt.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose lines and a predominantly earth-toned palette, the drawing has a sketchy, unfinished appearance. The artist combined ink for outlines, brown wash for soft shading and textures, and white gouache for targeted corrections, achieving depth without obscuring the graphite underdrawing.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Hans Rottenhammer and dated to 1597, specific details regarding the drawing's provenance and exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

The subject matter aligns with the European Renaissance tradition of illustrating biblical narratives. The emphasis on a quiet, intimate moment reflects a focus on humanizing sacred themes prevalent during this period.

Legacy

The drawing's impact on subsequent artistic works or its reception over time is not detailed in the provided context, highlighting it primarily as an example of late 16th-century religious subject drawing.

Artist & collection

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