The Flight into Egypt: Altered from Seghers

The Flight into Egypt: Altered from Seghers by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a highly complex and atmospheric example of the artist's dedication to printmaking during his mature period. Created between 1647 and 1657, this piece is executed using a sophisticated combination of etching, burin, and drypoint on ivory laid paper. This multimedia approach allowed Rembrandt to achieve unparalleled depth and dramatic contrasts, differentiating his prints from those of his contemporaries. The designation "Altered from Seghers" suggests Rembrandt adapted an existing composition, possibly a work by Hercules Seghers, transforming the landscape setting into his own distinctive vision focused on chiaroscuro.

The subject matter, the Holy Family’s perilous journey, was a popular religious theme in the Netherlands during the 17th century. Rembrandt utilizes the dense drypoint lines to create velvety blacks that emphasize the darkness of the night, highlighting the small, illuminated figures of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Christ as they navigate the shadowed landscape. This dramatic handling of light emphasizes the vulnerability of the fugitives and underscores the spiritual weight of the narrative.

As a significant print in the Art Institute of Chicago collection, The Flight into Egypt: Altered from Seghers serves as a crucial document of the technical evolution of the graphic arts. Rembrandt’s masterful control over line and texture remains a cornerstone of Netherlandish art. The historical importance of this piece means that images and high-quality prints of the work are frequently available through public domain resources, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to study the graphic legacy of this Baroque master.