Artwork
Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebastiano de Valentinis. It dates from 1544 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sebastiano de Valentinis created 'Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt' in 1544, an etching that combines a serene landscape with a biblical narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a moment from the Flight into Egypt, featuring three key figures—a woman (likely the Virgin Mary), a child (Jesus), and a man (probably St. Joseph)—resting in a rocky landscape with a distant town accessible via a winding path.
Technique & Style
De Valentinis employed etching techniques to achieve depth and texture. Rough, expressive lines define the hills, while meticulous rendering characterizes the foliage. Shading, particularly in trees and rocks, enhances the three-dimensional quality of the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1544, specific details about the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided.
Context
As an etching from the 16th century, this work reflects the era's artistic trends, where landscapes increasingly accompanied religious subjects, and etching allowed for detailed, reproducible prints.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt' are not detailed here, it contributes to the broader understanding of 16th-century etching and the artistic interpretation of biblical themes during the Renaissance.
Artist & collection











