Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt 

Sebastiano de’ Valentinis created this engraving, *Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt*, sometime in the mid-16th century. During the Renaissance, religious artworks often served as a window into the social and political values of the time. Here, the Holy Family's escape into Egypt is not just a biblical story but also a reflection of the lives of refugees throughout history. Mary nurses the infant Jesus, while Joseph rests nearby, their weary figures set against a detailed landscape. The angel above carrying a scroll gives the scene a sense of divine protection. Valentinis creates a space for empathy, inviting viewers to consider the humanity of these figures. Unlike traditional depictions of the Holy Family, Valentinis places them in a natural, almost mundane setting. The landscape isn't just a backdrop; it becomes an integral part of their story. The image highlights the universal experiences of displacement and the search for safety, resonating with contemporary issues of migration and identity.