Who painted The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree?

The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree was painted by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo in 1753.

Where can I see The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree?

The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree?

The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo , 1753

The Rest on the Flight, with Holy Family under a Tree is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1753 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo’s 1753 etching presents a moment from the biblical Flight into Egypt, where the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus pause beneath a tree. Rendered in black‑and‑white, the print captures a tranquil interlude amid a larger journey, emphasizing the quiet intimacy of the Holy Family’s exile.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the Holy Family’s brief rest, a theme common in Christian art that underscores protection and divine providence. By gathering the figures under a single tree, Tiepolo highlights both the physical shelter offered by nature and the spiritual refuge provided by faith during hardship.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the work relies on fine, incised lines to delineate the folds of garments and the texture of bark. Tiepolo’s handling of overlapping contours creates a sense of depth and movement, while the stark monochrome palette accentuates contrast between light and shadow, reinforcing the scene’s calm yet dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1753, the print reflects the artistic lineage of the Tiepolo family; Giovanni Domenico was the son of renowned painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and brother to Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo, both active in the Venetian art world. The etching circulated among collectors of religious prints in the eighteenth century, contributing to the family’s reputation beyond painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (August 30, 1727 – March 3, 1804) was an Italian painter and printmaker in etching. He was the son of artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.