Rest on the Flight into Egypt

"Rest on the Flight into Egypt" is an exquisite drawing by the celebrated Italian master, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770), likely executed during the height of his late career, spanning 1750 to 1770. This refined work exemplifies the technical versatility and spontaneous genius characteristic of 18th-century Venetian draftsmanship.

The drawing demonstrates Tiepolo’s masterful handling of mixed media. It was created using pen and brown ink, combined with a delicate brush and gray wash, supplemented by black chalk on ivory laid paper, which was subsequently tipped onto a secondary support. This layered application of wash and ink allowed the artist to define forms rapidly, utilizing the paper’s tonality to create luminous highlights and atmospheric depth.

The subject illustrates the traditional religious narrative of the Holy Family resting during their perilous journey after fleeing Herod’s persecution. Tiepolo renders the tender scene with characteristic Rococo flair, prioritizing movement and light over rigid formality. Drawings such as this often served as preparatory studies or modelli for larger compositions, though the completeness of this particular piece suggests it may also have been intended as an independent work of art.

Reflecting the vibrant artistic culture of Italy during the late Baroque and Rococo periods, this significant piece is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. It remains a crucial example of Tiepolo’s graphic output. While high-quality reproductions and prints of the master’s work may enter the public domain, the original drawing offers a profound insight into the immediacy of the artist's creative process.