Rest on the Flight to Egypt 1647

Rembrandt van Rijn created "Rest on the Flight to Egypt" using oil on panel, demonstrating his ability to capture intimate, human moments within a grand narrative. Painted during the Dutch Golden Age, this work reflects the cultural emphasis on domesticity and religious piety characteristic of the Netherlands in the 17th century. But this wasn't just a period of religious piety. It also saw huge social change, as the Dutch Republic threw off the yoke of Spanish imperial rule and created a new society founded on trade and civic freedom. You'll notice, though, that instead of the heroic narratives often favoured during this period, Rembrandt instead shines a light on the everyday struggle of a family forced to travel as refugees, fleeing persecution. The cultural and institutional contexts profoundly shape how we interpret this piece. Art historical research, combined with social history, sheds light on the conditions that enabled Rembrandt to produce such a poignant work, while also allowing us to consider its enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about refuge and displacement.