Vlucht naar Egypte 1695 - 1729

This engraving, titled 'The Flight into Egypt', was created by an anonymous artist. It depicts a scene from the New Testament, showing Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male children. Images like this one offered a powerful message in a time of religious and political upheaval. The flight into Egypt can be seen as a symbolic act of resistance against tyranny, resonating with those facing persecution or oppression. This particular print, with its clean lines and classical composition, invites contemplation on themes of faith, family, and the search for refuge. Understanding the social and political context in which such prints were produced, circulated, and consumed can be achieved through careful study of period documents, religious treatises, and popular culture. The Rijksmuseum's collection offers just such opportunities for further investigation into this fascinating area of cultural history.