The flight into Egypt: a sketch: St Joseph

The flight into Egypt: a sketch: St Joseph by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1628, is a significant early print by the Dutch master. Executed on paper, this classification as a sketch suggests Rijn was using the graphic arts medium not merely for finished reproductions but for rapid exploration of subject and form, a practice that defines the exploratory nature of his early career.

The Biblical theme of the Flight into Egypt was a recurring motif in 17th-century Dutch art, allowing artists to explore themes of hardship and piety. This particular work isolates St Joseph, traditionally a subsidiary figure, emphasizing his quiet resolve during the perilous journey. Rijn’s focus on the solitary figure reflects a tendency in his work to capture intimate moments of human experience, even within sacred narratives. The brevity of the composition and the economical use of line are characteristic of the Rijn's early experimentation with printmaking techniques.

This work foreshadows Rijn’s later renowned mastery of etching and drypoint. The stark contrast and handling of shadow employed in the sketch exemplify the intense dramatic light often associated with Dutch Baroque sensibilities. This important piece is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, contributing to their extensive holdings of Dutch Golden Age prints and drawings. As a celebrated work from the artist's formative period, prints of this early masterwork are frequently made available to scholars and the public through public domain art initiatives, facilitating global study of the graphic arts.