Vlucht naar Egypte 1693 - 1783

Curator: This engraving, titled "Vlucht naar Egypte," or "Flight into Egypt," dates from between 1693 and 1783 and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt. Editor: My first impression is one of drama and precariousness. The figures seem vulnerable amidst the imposing, dark landscape. You can almost feel the urgency in their movement. It’s incredibly powerful, especially given the apparent simplicity of the printmaking process. Curator: Exactly. Consider the socio-political context. This piece visualizes a story of displacement, of seeking refuge, echoing historical and contemporary experiences of forced migration and persecution. The image carries weight. How did the act of creating it, and circulating it through printed media, serve as commentary during its time? Editor: That's a compelling angle. Thinking about the materials – the paper, the ink, the engraved plate itself – it's all relatively modest. Yet, through skill and technique, a readily reproducible image is created. A powerful visual narrative about displacement can reach a broad audience. There's something democratic, almost revolutionary, in that capacity. Curator: I agree, and the act of fleeing is gendered; look at Mary, she holds the child and leads, even when they are moving towards the unknown. The history of Baroque printmaking intersects with gender dynamics; these materials offered some women a space for art-making even if they did not enjoy much space or power in society. Editor: I am interested in this, especially in relation to who “Anonymous” may be. What implications come with the author concealing themself through the materials. And whether Baroque-era makers embraced the social statement behind materials accessible and circulation through their wide reach, such as this work. It’s a fascinating example of accessible art engaging with a serious issue. Curator: Definitely. The Flight into Egypt becomes a timeless reflection of refuge and hardship experienced throughout history. Editor: Ultimately, its continued presence invites us to reconsider the relationship between production, materials, and political power and invites more perspectives into such discussions.