The Flight into Egypt; the holy family walking with the young John the Baptist, trees behind them, in an octagonal frame, after Reni 1715 - 1786

Claude Augustin Duflos le Jeune created this print, "The Flight into Egypt," after Guido Reni, during the 18th century. The scene depicts Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, and John the Baptist fleeing to Egypt. Prints like this one were not simply devotional images; they also participated in the construction of social identities. The emphasis on family, piety, and the protective role of Joseph speaks to the values upheld during this era. As a woman, Mary is central to the narrative, but it is within the confines of motherhood and religious devotion. The print invites viewers to reflect on their own familial roles, their faith, and their place within a society that prized order and traditional values. The holy family's flight can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and resilience of families, both then and now.