Vlucht naar Egypte 1626 - 1657

This is Sebastien Bourdon’s etching, “Flight into Egypt,” created in the 17th century. The composition, dominated by the linear quality of etching, presents a scene of the Holy Family in motion. Lines define the figures and landscape, creating a textured surface full of depth. Bourdon employs hatching and cross-hatching to model forms and convey a sense of light and shadow. Observe how the diagonal lines give dynamism and forward movement to the group, emphasizing the urgency and the physical demands of the journey. The use of line directs the viewer's eye through the narrative, from the weathered face of Joseph to the serene figure of Mary holding the infant Jesus. The structural arrangement of the figures, with the donkey carrying the weight, reflects a hierarchy and interdependence. Bourdon uses this structure to explore themes of faith, protection, and displacement. The very act of etching, with its graphic precision, reinforces the narrative's clarity. This allows for a detailed interpretation of form and meaning within a biblical context.