The Rest on The Flight into Egypt 1895

Hans Thoma created 'The Rest on The Flight into Egypt' in Germany, and though the exact date isn't known, we can place it within the context of his lifetime, 1839 to 1924. The image depicts a well-known biblical scene of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt. However, Thoma's interpretation reflects the social concerns of his time. The figures, especially Mary, are rendered with a down-to-earth realism, devoid of the usual idealization, hinting at the everyday struggles of ordinary people, as Germany went through rapid industrialisation and social change. Thoma's artistic education at academies in Karlsruhe and Dusseldorf would have been quite formal, yet he chose to imbue this religious scene with a social consciousness. Was he commenting on the plight of the poor and displaced? To fully grasp the painting's social context, one could consult historical documents, theological interpretations, and studies of 19th-century German art. This would shed light on how 'The Rest on The Flight into Egypt' speaks to its era and its institutional setting.