The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece

The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece is an influential print created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) in 1651. This iconic religious scene is classified as an etching, a medium which the Dutch master utilized throughout his career to explore innovative narrative and tonal possibilities. This specific impression is confirmed as the first state of the plate and is notable for its dramatic use of plate tone, a technique where a thin layer of ink is deliberately left across the surface during printing. This residual ink deepens the atmospheric shadows, dramatically enhancing the nocturnal setting.

The subject matter, the Flight into Egypt, recounts the Biblical journey of the Holy Family as they escape Herod’s persecution. Rembrandt captures the intense vulnerability of the group, focusing the viewer’s attention on the woman (Mary) cradling the infant, accompanied by the man (Joseph), as they traverse the dark landscape. The only illumination is a single, concentrated light source emanating from within the composition, providing a high contrast that centers attention on the travelers and the accompanying donkey that bears their weight.

This 1651 piece showcases Rembrandt’s mature printmaking style, which emphasizes emotional depth and atmospheric effect over highly descriptive detail. The work resides within the prestigious holdings of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a peak moment in the artist's graphic output. As a historically significant work of art, high-quality prints and archival images of this masterpiece are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access and scholarly appreciation for the composition.