Vlucht naar Egypte 1780 - 1810

Joseph Schmidt made this drawing, "Flight into Egypt", around the turn of the 19th century using pen and brush in brown ink and wash over graphite on paper. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke. The linear marks give a sense of immediacy to the depicted biblical narrative. The scene shows Joseph leading Mary and the infant Jesus to safety, escaping Herod's decree. Schmidt’s choice of materials is notable. Paper, ink, and graphite are modest, accessible materials, readily available and relatively inexpensive, making drawing a democratic medium. The image has an unfinished quality, reminiscent of the preparatory sketches made by artists before embarking on larger, more elaborate projects. Perhaps Schmidt was interested in quickly capturing his initial impressions of the scene, focusing on composition and the arrangement of figures. He emphasizes the human element: a family in motion, fleeing persecution. In considering this drawing, we see how even the simplest materials can serve as a powerful medium for expressing complex ideas, reminding us of the close connections between labor, artistic expression, and social realities.