The rest on the flight into Egypt: a night piece

The rest on the flight into Egypt: a night piece by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from 1644, is an exceptional example of the artist's mastery of graphic work executed on paper. This print vividly illustrates the biblical story of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus pausing during their perilous journey away from Herod. Rijn expertly utilizes etching and drypoint techniques, allowing him to achieve deep, rich velvety blacks that heighten the dramatic contrast central to a night piece. The technique emphasizes a specific, humble source of light, likely a lantern or small fire, which illuminates the faces of the weary Holy Family and the immediate surrounding environment, leaving the majority of the composition submerged in profound shadow.

Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this piece showcases Rijn's profound ability to infuse human emotion and psychological depth into traditional religious narratives. Unlike many of his contemporary painters, Rijn frequently returned to the medium of prints, making his spiritual interpretations accessible to a broader audience. The subtlety in execution and the intimate mood established by the sole light source distinguish this work within the artist's extensive graphic oeuvre. This historically significant print is currently held in the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to the age of the original work, high-quality images of this masterpiece are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring that prints of this 17th-century Dutch masterwork remain accessible for study and appreciation worldwide.