Artwork

Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Simone Cantarini, 1640
Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Simone Cantarini, 1640

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is a print by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rest on the Flight into Egypt, created in 1640 by Simone Cantarini, is a Baroque-period artwork depicting a pivotal moment from the biblical narrative of the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a serene pause during the Flight into Egypt, portraying the Holy Family in a natural setting. The scene focuses on the intimate interaction between the Virgin, Joseph, and the Infant Jesus, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and familial intimacy.

Technique & Style

Cantarini employs chiaroscuro to achieve depth and volume, juxtaposing light and shadow across the figures and foliage. This blend of dramatic lighting with a naturalistic approach reflects his fusion of Bolognese classicism with a more realistic style.

History & Provenance

Simone Cantarini, a painter and etcher from Pesaro, Italy, produced this work in 1640. His artistic practice spanned history paintings and portraits, characterized by a unique blend of Baroque and classicist elements.

Context

Produced during the Baroque period, this painting situates Cantarini within a broader artistic movement that emphasized emotional depth and dramatic lighting, while his classicist influences tempered these elements with restraint and harmony.

Legacy

While specific details on the painting’s direct influence or current location are not provided, Cantarini’s work contributes to the broader legacy of Baroque art, particularly in its nuanced interpretation of religious themes through innovative lighting techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Simone Cantarini

Artist

Simone Cantarini

Simone Cantarini or Simone da Pesaro, called il Pesarese (Baptized on 21 August 1612 – 15 October 1648) was an Italian painter and etcher.

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