Artwork

Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Sebastiano de Valentinis, ink, 1544
Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, by Sebastiano de Valentinis, ink, 1544

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

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