Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt

"Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt," created by Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée) in 1645, is a masterful example of the artist's dedication to draftsmanship and classical landscape ideals. Classified as a drawing, this sensitive piece utilizes brown wash applied with deftness, dramatically heightened by the application of opaque white gouache. This contrast is further amplified by the decision to execute the work on blue paper, a choice that contributes to the rich, atmospheric quality of the scene.

The composition depicts the traditional biblical episode where the Holy Family pauses during their flight from Herod. The Virgin Mary is shown resting beneath the shelter of towering trees, holding the infant Jesus. Subtle ancillary figures, including Angels, minister to the Holy Family's needs, establishing a devotional mood that is skillfully integrated into the natural setting. Lorrain places the spiritual narrative deeply within a grand, idealized paesaggio that epitomizes the Classical Baroque style popular in Rome during the mid-17th century. The light emanating from the upper left defines the forms in the foreground while simultaneously opening up a sweeping vista into the background.

This 1645 drawing stands as a testament to Lorrain’s consistent emphasis on light and structure, which characterize his finished paintings and etchings. His meticulous handling of the wash technique demonstrates his mastery of preparatory studies and fully realized works on paper. This seminal work currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As with many important works from this period, high-resolution images of this drawing are frequently released into the public domain, ensuring that quality prints and reproductions are widely accessible for study and appreciation today.