Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1857 - 1913

Curator: What a delicate scene. This etching is Nikolay Semyonovich Mosolov’s "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," created sometime between 1857 and 1913. Editor: My initial reaction is quiet tenderness. Despite the likely difficult circumstances, there's a serenity to their posture, a gentle exhaustion. You feel the love and protection. Curator: Exactly. Mosolov depicts a key moment from the New Testament, when the Holy Family flees to Egypt to escape King Herod’s infanticide. This became a popular theme in art history. What I find fascinating here is its intimate portrayal; he makes this grand religious moment very human. Editor: The landscape certainly contributes. While there are hints of the wider world with a vista in the background, they are enveloped in a small space, almost cave-like. Makes you wonder about the accessibility to refuge at this place or in a more symbolic approach in finding inner peace as the outside environment is dangerous. Curator: Yes, and the etching technique itself lends a certain quality to the piece. The soft lines and subtle shading create a dreamy atmosphere. There’s nothing harsh here, just a continuous flow of tonal values. What you feel here is a very idyllic, safe scene. However, if you read from a historic perspective there may be some hidden meanings. Editor: In what sense? Curator: I am thinking that this biblical scene offers artists a subtle yet powerful means to comment on issues like migration and political turmoil through religious paintings. The family on the run… does it mean more that its religious beliefs or a call for justice for other groups escaping persecution? Editor: You’re right; considering the turbulent times Mosolov was living in, and with that personal touch he imbued in the depiction, it would suggest his personal sentiment is leaning towards universal protection and safe refuge. Curator: Overall, this small print speaks volumes about faith, family, and hope, which are themes that, indeed, continue to resonate today. Editor: And on a technical level, the intimacy and soft tonal qualities that can be expressed through this meticulous medium, contribute significantly to the artwork. It all comes together beautifully.