The Repose in Egypt

The Repose in Egypt is an important early 16th-century print by the German master Albrecht Dürer, created around 1501-1502. This celebrated woodcut showcases Dürer's revolutionary approach to graphic media, illustrating a key moment of sanctuary for the Holy Family during their Flight into Egypt. Produced during the height of the Northern Renaissance, the work is part of a traditional devotional cycle, offering a moment of quiet domesticity contrasted with the drama of the biblical exile.

In this piece, Dürer meticulously depicts the Virgin Mary resting under a palm or date tree, often shown nursing the Christ Child, while Saint Joseph attends diligently to the practical needs of the family. The level of detail Dürer achieves through the woodcut technique is remarkable. Unlike earlier, cruder prints, the artist employs a complex matrix of fine lines and cross-hatching to achieve delicate shading and texture typically associated only with copper engraving. This pioneering approach solidified Dürer’s reputation as the preeminent graphic artist of his era, defining the standard for printmaking techniques in Germany for generations.

The spiritual depth and technical brilliance of the Repose have ensured its enduring legacy. High-quality images of this masterpiece are often available through the public domain, allowing for widespread study and appreciation of these seminal Renaissance prints. This important impression of the woodcut is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it serves as a key example of the transformative power of Northern European Renaissance graphic arts.