Flight into Egypt: Altered from Tobias and the Angel by Hercules Segers

Flight into Egypt: Altered from Tobias and the Angel by Hercules Segers is a significant print by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), dating to the pivotal period between 1648 and 1658. This complex work is classified specifically as the fifth of six states, demonstrating the artist’s characteristic practice of intensely reworking and revising existing compositions over time.

The print originates from an earlier etching created by Hercules Segers, which Rembrandt dramatically adapted. Using drypoint and burin, Rembrandt transformed the original scene, intensifying the shadows and modifying the lighting to heighten the dramatic atmosphere. This intensive application of intaglio techniques allowed Rembrandt to shift the subject matter from the story of Tobias to the biblical narrative of the Holy Family’s flight from King Herod.

The composition centers on the vulnerability of the Human Figures traveling at night. Joseph leads the donkey, subtly suggested as the mode of transport for the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, representing the Horses or livestock referenced in the general subject classification. The scene is enveloped in deep shadow, punctuated by gnarled Trees and dense foliage that emphasize the solitude of their journey. Rembrandt’s masterful control of light illuminates the central group just enough to convey pathos while maintaining the drama of the dark landscape.

This print serves as a remarkable example of Rembrandt’s engagement with, and adaptation of, the work of his contemporaries during the Dutch Golden Age. This rare state of the print is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing invaluable insight into 17th-century printmaking techniques. Today, many of Rembrandt’s essential prints are digitized and available through public domain archives, allowing for broad study and appreciation.