The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece

The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated 1651, is a profound example of the artist’s mastery of graphic media. Classified as a print, the work utilizes a complex combination of etching, burin, and drypoint techniques. This technical approach allowed Rijn to achieve extraordinary tonal depth and textural variation, which were crucial for rendering the drama of the depicted nighttime scene. Created squarely within the flourishing period of Dutch art between 1651 to 1700, this etching showcases the mature phase of the artist's printmaking career, where his religious subjects moved toward greater emotional intimacy and shadow play.

The subject illustrates the biblical narrative of the Holy Family fleeing Herod’s decree. Unlike earlier, more sunlit depictions of this scene, Rijn emphasizes the vulnerability and isolation of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Christ, traveling under the cover of darkness. The primary light source, likely a small lantern or candle carried by Joseph, casts harsh highlights that illuminate the faces of the figures and the rough surface of the path, while deepening the surrounding gloom. This dramatic use of chiaroscuro is expertly controlled through the delicate application of the drypoint technique, which creates a rich, velvety burr, particularly in the deep shadows and the contours of the donkey. The effect elevates the emotional intensity of the scene, transforming a standard religious narrative into a poignant moment of human struggle and divine protection.

As a highly influential figure in 17th-century Dutch art, Rijn frequently explored biblical themes in his prints, recognizing the commercial viability and accessibility of this medium. This particular piece is considered a key example of how the artist manipulated the printmaking process to evoke mood and narrative tension. The work remains a significant artifact of the period 1651 to 1700, reflecting the artistic innovations of the era. This impression of the etching is held in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and enthusiasts direct insight into the technical genius of the Dutch master. Today, high-quality images of Rijn’s masterworks are often available through public domain archives, ensuring the continuing accessibility of these historical prints for worldwide study.