The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt by Albrecht Dürer, executed between 1503 and 1505, is a masterful example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. Created in Germany, this woodcut is distinguished by Dürer's revolutionary approach to the medium, transforming the print from a simple illustration into an independent work of high artistic merit. The detail achieved in the linework demonstrates the exceptional technical skill Dürer brought to the traditionally rougher woodcut process, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with relief printing. This specific work is one plate from Dürer's famed series, the Life of the Virgin.

The composition depicts the Holy Family’s perilous journey, the central narrative showing the Virgin Mary seated on a donkey, guided by Joseph through a densely rendered forest landscape. Dürer’s dramatic use of light and shadow, achieved through precise hatching and cross-hatching, gives the figures and the surrounding nature a powerful three-dimensionality unusual for prints of this era. This piece stands as a crucial document of early German art history. This remarkable woodcut is preserved within the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of its cultural significance, high-quality images and various prints of this monumental composition are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Dürer's lasting artistic legacy.