The Rest on the Flight into Egypt: Lightly Etched

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt: Lightly Etched by Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669), dating from 1645, is an exemplary work from the artist’s rich output in graphic media. Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this print exemplifies Rembrandt’s dedication to interpreting familiar Biblical narratives with intimate, deeply human emotion. The scene captures the Holy Family resting under the cover of night while fleeing Herod’s decree.

The artist employed the intricate technique of etching combined with drypoint on buff paper. This specific method allowed for both the clean, flowing lines inherent in etching and the rich, velvety quality of the drypoint burr, creating a distinctive texture. The title’s reference to being "Lightly Etched" suggests a focus on atmospheric subtlety, where the transition between light and shadow defines the figures and their secluded environment. Rembrandt, working predominantly in the Netherlands, was a master manipulator of light, using it not only for definition but also to convey emotional isolation and sanctity.

The enduring popularity of the subject matter and the exceptional quality of the impression secure this work’s status as a key piece of 17th-century European graphic art. As part of a foundational tradition of printmaking, high-resolution images of these master prints are increasingly made available through public domain resources. This edition of The Rest on the Flight into Egypt is preserved in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and the public an invaluable record of Rembrandt’s profound stylistic and technical achievements.