The Flight into Egypt 17th-18th century

Editor: This is Robert van Auden-Aerd's "The Flight into Egypt," a small etching. It feels both intimate and epic, showing Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus on their journey. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The broken cross in the background is striking. It's a potent symbol of what they are fleeing: the shadow of the crucifixion, the weight of sacrifice, and the future suffering for humankind. Editor: So, it’s not just a physical journey, but a symbolic one? Curator: Precisely. And consider the donkey—a beast of burden, carrying not just the family’s possessions but also the hopes of salvation. The image is rich with layered meanings. Editor: I never would have noticed so much. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. There's always more to see when we look at art through the lens of cultural memory.