Flight into Egypt 18th-19th century

Curator: Take a moment with Francesco Morelli's rendering of the Flight into Egypt, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s incredibly picturesque, but also conveys a real sense of urgency, doesn't it? The shadows feel so weighted with potential threats. Curator: The biblical narrative is rife with themes of displacement and the search for sanctuary amid persecution. Here, the Holy Family becomes a symbol of all refugees. Editor: Absolutely. The river, the bridge, even the trees, they become symbolic pathways of escape, don't they? Note how the figures, although small, are central to the composition. Curator: And the cultural context, a period of upheaval and transformation across Europe, mirrors the family's journey. Consider how this narrative continues to resonate today. Editor: It’s amazing how these symbols continue to carry so much meaning. It definitely prompts reflection on refuge and safety in a new way.