The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt by Master L; Albrecht Dürer is a historically significant engraving produced during the transitional artistic period spanning 1470 to 1560. Classified as a print, this intricate work showcases the technical finesse characteristic of German graphic art during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The precise nature of the copperplate engraving technique allowed for minute details and complex shading, which helped elevate printmaking from a craft to an art form capable of wide public distribution. The dual attribution suggests the complexity often found in early modern print workshops, placing the piece either as a direct creation by Dürer or as a work strongly influenced by his revolutionary techniques.

The subject matter depicts the traditional biblical narrative of the Holy Family's escape into Egypt, a necessary flight to protect the infant Christ from King Herod’s decree. As a product of the 1401 to 1500 period, this print exemplifies the cultural importance of reproducible religious imagery in Renaissance Germany. Artists like Dürer were instrumental in defining the visual language of the era, utilizing the rapid dissemination power of prints to spread their artistic ideas and devotional scenes across Europe.

This engraving resides within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing critical insight into the history of early modern printmaking. The enduring quality of the print demonstrates the masterful control Dürer and his contemporaries exerted over the burin, establishing deep tonal contrasts through careful line placement. The influence of this approach established standards for subsequent generations of printmakers. As a historic work of art, this detailed engraving is often found in the records of public domain repositories, ensuring its availability for ongoing scholarly examination and appreciation.