Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Claude Lorrain is a seminal oil on canvas painting created between 1640 and 1645. This work exemplifies the pinnacle of the classical landscape tradition, established by the French artist who spent the majority of his career in Rome. Lorrain’s technique involves a meticulous handling of oil paint, resulting in carefully balanced compositions and a profound sense of atmospheric light.

The painting depicts the biblical scene of the Holy Family taking rest during their escape from Herod’s persecution. True to the artist’s characteristic style, the religious narrative serves as a subtle counterpoint to the monumental natural setting. Lorrain prioritizes serene, idealized vistas over dramatic action, utilizing soft morning or evening light to unify the composition and lead the viewer's eye into the meticulously rendered distant landscape. This emphasis on poetic tranquility made Lorrain one of the most influential landscape painters in the history of Western art.

The work reflects the strong seventeenth-century European appreciation for integrating historical or religious subjects within idealized natural settings. The canvas is part of the distinguished permanent collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of the age and importance of this French masterwork, high-quality reproductions and fine art prints are widely available, frequently entering the public domain for study and appreciation.