The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece

The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1651, is a profound and moving example of the artist's mature technique in graphic arts. Executed as a print using a combination of etching, burin, and drypoint on yellowish paper, this work exemplifies the sophisticated tonal control Rijn achieved during the Dutch Golden Age. The complex interplay of techniques allows the artist to manipulate the light source meticulously, transitioning the viewer’s eye from deep shadow to subtle illumination.

The subject matter, the Holy Family fleeing Herod’s decree, is interpreted here as a nocturnal exodus. Rijn employs dramatic chiaroscuro to heighten the sense of vulnerability and isolation felt by Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus. The primary light source emanates from a small lantern carried by Joseph, piercing the encompassing darkness and gently highlighting the faces and the figures' drapery. This intense focus on light effects defines the classification of this piece as a "Night Piece," a stylistic trend favored by artists operating in the period 1651 to 1700 for its capacity to evoke powerful emotional states.

As a significant example of 17th-century Dutch art, this impression demonstrates the economic power of prints in disseminating images throughout Europe. The precision enabled by the drypoint technique is visible in the rendering of the wilderness and the texture of the clothing. The enduring mastery demonstrated by Rijn ensures that his catalog of prints remains highly valued by scholars and collectors. This specific impression resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical document of Baroque printmaking. Its status as an influential artwork means that high-resolution scans often enter the public domain, allowing students worldwide to study the technical brilliance of this masterpiece.