The Flight into Egypt
circa 1605
Adam Elsheimer brings a quiet, intimate moment to life in this oval-shaped Baroque masterpiece, depicting the Holy Family's desperate escape to Egypt. Notice how Mary, cradling the infant Jesus, rides atop a weary donkey while Joseph leads the way through a rugged, rocky landscape. Unlike the grand, theatrical religious scenes typical of the era, Elsheimer focuses on a deeply human, almost exhausted journey under a moody, cloud-filled sky. This German artist was famous for his tiny, incredibly detailed paintings on copper, and this piece perfectly captures his signature blend of realistic landscape and tender storytelling.
Location: National Gallery, London
Views: 13