The Flight into Egypt 

Odilon Redon made this painting, The Flight into Egypt, using oil on canvas. Redon was working in France at a time of immense social change, with the rise of industrialization and evolving class structures. “My eyes open like extraordinary flowers,” he said, and we can see his rejection of realism and his focus on the power of dreams. The Flight into Egypt depicts Mary, the mother of Jesus, escaping to Egypt with her child to flee King Herod’s persecution. The story is rooted in themes of refuge and displacement. Here, Mary embodies the universal experience of motherhood, seeking safety and security for her child in the face of threat. Redon uses color to convey emotional states. The vibrant blues and reds evoke feelings of both anxiety and protection, in contrast to the muted tones of the landscape which create a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the emotional weight of their journey. Ultimately, Redon encourages us to reflect on the vulnerability and resilience inherent in the human experience, especially for those who are displaced.