The rest on the flight to Egypt: lightly etched 1859

Léopold Flameng created this etching, "The rest on the flight to Egypt: lightly etched" sometime during his career in the 19th century. During this time in France, there was a growing interest in traditional printmaking techniques. Flameng was well known for his skill in etching and engraving. The artwork illustrates a biblical scene: Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus resting during their flight into Egypt. The Holy Family is seen not as divine figures, but as refugees, displaced by political and religious persecution. Consider the dynamics of their journey: Mary, a young mother, and Joseph, her protector, embodying the vulnerability of those who are displaced. It asks us to consider the experiences of those seeking safety and refuge. The soft lines and delicate shading enhance the emotional weight of the scene. It reflects on universal themes of motherhood, protection, and the search for a safe place in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty.