Vlucht naar Egypte 1607 - 1728

This is an anonymous engraving, "Flight into Egypt," held at the Rijksmuseum. The print utilizes a stark contrast between light and shadow across the scene, giving it a sense of drama and depth. Observe how the composition is structured around the figures moving from left to right, set against a detailed landscape. The engraver skillfully uses line to define forms and textures, creating a rich visual experience. The religious narrative is almost secondary to the formal qualities, with the artist using the story as a framework for exploring contrasts in texture and tone. This tension between the overt subject and its formal treatment encourages us to consider how meaning is constructed through visual language, blending storytelling with artistic expression. It's a reminder that art is not just about what is depicted, but also how it is presented.