Terugkeer van de vlucht naar Egypte 1623 - 1666

Francesco Leoncini created this engraving of "Terugkeer van de vlucht naar Egypte" – or “Return from the Flight to Egypt” – sometime in the mid-17th century. Leoncini situates the holy family within a tangled landscape, safely returning from their exile in Egypt. Joseph leads the way, while Mary guides the young Jesus, and a humble donkey carries their belongings. The scene is witnessed by a cherubic child angel and tumbling, sleeping cherubs near a pond, reinforcing the innocence and divine protection surrounding this family. In the context of 17th-century Europe, marked by religious conflicts and the rise of nation-states, Leoncini's work offers a vision of sanctuary. The Flight to Egypt and its return can be seen as allegories for displacement and the search for refuge. The image of a mother protecting her child resonates deeply, reflecting the universal desire for safety and stability, and reminds us of the emotional toll of seeking asylum. Leoncini elevates the everyday struggles of those displaced, turning them into symbols of hope and resilience.