The flight into Egypt: altered plate from Seghers

The flight into Egypt: altered plate from Seghers is a masterful print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1653. Executed on paper, this work is significant not only for its depiction of a dramatic biblical subject but also for its unique technical history. Rather than etching the scene from scratch, Rijn acquired and fundamentally reworked an existing copper plate originally produced by another artist, often identified as Hercules Segers. This innovative practice of altering and repurposing previous images highlights Rijn's continuous experimentation with printmaking techniques and his artistic dialogue with other Dutch Golden Age masters.

The resulting image is a profoundly dark and atmospheric rendering of the Holy Family’s difficult nocturnal journey. The subject, the Flight into Egypt, shows Joseph leading Mary and the infant Christ through a shadowy, dense landscape, emphasizing their vulnerability and isolation while escaping King Herod’s decree. Rijn utilizes deep, rich shadows created through etching and drypoint to generate texture and mood, allowing only sparse light to illuminate the central, huddled figures. This intensive use of chiaroscuro transforms a traditional narrative into a deeply human and emotional scene characteristic of Rijn’s mature style.

As one of the most celebrated prints of the era, this piece offers invaluable insight into the period’s artistic and theological concerns regarding human suffering and divine guidance. The original impression resides within the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it serves as a prime example of Rijn’s genius in printmaking. Its prominence ensures that high-quality public domain versions of this powerful image are widely accessible for scholarship and public appreciation.