Rest on the Flight into Egypt c. 1550 - 1555

Sebastiano de' Valentinis created this print, "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," in the 16th century. The detailed etching, measuring approximately 20 by 15 centimeters, presents a scene rich with texture and tonal variation, achieved through dense, cross-hatched lines. The composition is structured around the central figures of Mary and the infant Jesus, balanced by the resting figure of Joseph in the lower-left corner. Above them, an angel holds a banner, its message adding a layer of symbolic depth. Notice how the landscape, with its rugged rocks and cascading foliage, almost overwhelms the figures. The dense etching technique not only defines form but also creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer into the scene. The stark contrasts and meticulous detail invite a semiotic reading, where elements such as the barren landscape and the divine messenger destabilize a conventional pastoral scene. It’s a dynamic interplay between form and content, challenging any singular interpretation.