Vlucht naar Egypte 1627 - 1655

Curator: Here we have "Vlucht naar Egypte," or "The Flight into Egypt," a print made between 1627 and 1655. Samuel Bernard is credited with the engraving after a composition by Guido Reni. Editor: It has a somber tone, doesn't it? The stark lines of the engraving create a sense of gravity and urgency. The figures are set against a landscape, yet the landscape feels almost secondary, a stage for the drama unfolding. Curator: Precisely. This piece offers us insight into the political and religious turmoil of the era, reflecting the vulnerable position of the Holy Family as refugees fleeing persecution. The journey to Egypt embodies themes of exile and resilience in the face of political violence, a situation relevant across many cultures and centuries. Editor: Looking at the composition, I see the formal arrangement contributes to that feeling of vulnerability. The figures of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus are huddled together, but they are placed rather starkly, nearly centrally, in the picture plane. See how that draws our eyes to their faces, but with those strong contrasting lines we're left with the rawness of their emotions? Curator: Yes, and understanding Bernard’s social positioning as a printmaker is crucial. As the original painting would have been made for the wealthy, this print allowed the story and sentiment to reach a wider, possibly less literate audience. We can speculate about what feelings it stirred within them at that time. Editor: Notice how Bernard masterfully used line work to create depth and texture, guiding our gaze. The contrasting lines forming the foliage versus the almost sculptural folds of Mary's garment—it’s a study in contrasts that highlight the importance of light in baroque sensibilities. Curator: These visual elements are carefully selected and placed, drawing parallels to the personal, political and religious challenges many were experiencing, encouraging empathy through representation. Editor: I agree, understanding these compositional techniques is pivotal to appreciate the depth of meaning Bernard imbued within his work. Curator: Ultimately, “Flight into Egypt” serves as a reminder of art's capacity to engage with universal themes of displacement, faith, and familial love throughout history. Editor: An effective demonstration of art making across time, demonstrating, above all, the universal appeal and durability of masterful composition and attention to form.