The Flight into Egypt
c. 1515
Albrecht Altdorfer, a master of the German Renaissance, brings a surprisingly cozy vibe to the biblical Flight into Egypt in this 1515 woodcut. Notice the letter 'A' floating in the puffy clouds at the top left—Altdorfer's cheeky way of signing his work right into the sky! Instead of a barren desert, he sets the scene against a lush, detailed landscape with a bustling hilltop city, showing off his famous love for nature that helped launch the Danube School of art. Joseph leads the donkey carrying Mary and baby Jesus, looking more like weary travelers on a scenic hike than figures fleeing for their lives.
- Technique
- Woodcut