The flight into Egypt: a sketch: St Joseph

"The flight into Egypt: a sketch: St Joseph" by Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1628, is an early and intimate example of the artist's engagement with fundamental biblical narratives. Classified as a print on paper, this work demonstrates the speed and economy of line implied by the title's inclusion of "sketch." It captures the challenging journey of the Holy Family, focusing specifically on St Joseph, who is often depicted in a position of quiet, protective authority during the flight to escape Herod’s decree.

Created during Rijn's formative years in Leiden, this piece highlights his emerging skill in leveraging the stark contrasts of the print medium. Even in this small format, the work exhibits the artist's characteristic ability to convey profound emotion and volumetric form using relatively minimal material, allowing the figure of St Joseph to emerge from the darkness. Prints served as an essential medium for the young Rijn, enabling him to explore complex compositions, master techniques like etching and drypoint, and disseminate his unique style throughout the Netherlands.

This 1628 work provides crucial insight into Rijn’s evolving approach to religious subject matter before his move to Amsterdam. The subject—the Flight into Egypt—was a frequent motif in Dutch Golden Age art, but Rijn renders it with a specific focus on the human experience of fatigue and reliance.

Today, this important piece of art history resides in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is preserved among other definitive examples of Dutch master prints, offering continued access and study of Rijn's influential early career.