The Rest on the Flight into Egypt

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1644, is a powerful and evocative example of the artist's mastery of graphic work. Executed as a print on paper, the piece depicts a poignant moment from the New Testament: the Holy Family seeking refuge during their long journey to Egypt after fleeing Herod's persecution.

The composition focuses intensely on Mary, Joseph, and the infant Christ taking solace under the cover of a dense, shadowy night. Rijn masterfully employs deep chiaroscuro, utilizing subtle variations in line and tone to create a dramatic nocturnal setting. This handling of light and shadow, characteristic of the 17th-century Dutch Baroque style, transforms a familiar religious narrative into an intensely personal and intimate moment of vulnerability and rest. Rijn’s skill in producing these types of prints allowed him to achieve complex atmospheric effects and emotional depth that rivaled his oil paintings.

Produced midway through the century, this work reflects the continuing demand for accessible religious imagery among the Dutch populace. Rijn was highly sought after both for his major commissions and his innovative graphic works, ensuring that his prints circulated widely across Europe. As a key example of the artist’s prolific output on paper, this print is currently housed in the prestigious Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam. The artistic integrity of Rijn’s draftsmanship, often available through public domain resources, ensures that his contributions to printmaking remain central to art historical study.