The Flight Into Egypt

The Flight Into Egypt by Jean François Millet French, 1814-1875, is a significant 19th-century drawing created between 1859 and 1869. This complex work showcases Millet’s sophisticated technique using layered materials to render this pivotal biblical narrative. The drawing medium is exceptionally rich, utilizing black and brown Conté crayon, pen and black ink, and traces of black pastel, which were meticulously applied over foundational gray washes. The layering of both wet and dry media on cream wove paper lends the scene an ethereal yet dramatic appearance, amplifying the vulnerability of the Holy Family as they undertake their perilous journey.

Millet, known primarily for his powerful portrayals of peasant life, frequently returned to major biblical themes, often infusing them with a sense of human dignity and solemnity typical of the French cultural landscape of the era. The combination of dense Conté crayon and precise ink lines allows Millet to define the sharp contours of the figures, while the underlying washes soften the overall composition, emphasizing the spiritual weight of the subject.

The lengthy period of execution, spanning a decade, suggests Millet approached this religious subject with careful deliberation. Although celebrated for his oil paintings, this masterwork confirms Millet’s profound skill in graphic media. This drawing, currently edge-mounted on laminated woodpulp board, is recognized internationally, and as with many 19th-century French artworks, high-quality prints are frequently available through public domain collections. This crucial drawing remains a highlight of the Art Institute of Chicago’s permanent collection, providing essential insight into the graphic production of the Barbizon master.