Flight into Egypt 1320

Giotto painted 'Flight into Egypt' without a specified date, as part of his frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Painted in the early 14th century, the fresco depicts Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male children. In this piece, Giotto departed from earlier, more stylized depictions, rendering his figures with a newfound sense of naturalism. We see individualized faces, and an emotional depth, particularly in Mary's tender hold on her child. But it is important to remember that ‘Flight into Egypt’ is not merely a religious scene. It is also about the universal experience of seeking refuge, of being a displaced person. Mary, the mother, embodies the strength and resilience of women facing displacement, while the infant Jesus symbolizes vulnerability and hope. Giotto masterfully communicates the emotional weight of their journey, asking viewers to consider the human dimensions of faith, displacement, and survival.