Rest on the Flight into Egypt c. 1680 - 1690

Curator: This is Michel II Corneille's drawing, "Rest on the Flight into Egypt", held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how the red chalk gives the scene an almost dreamlike quality, a warmth that softens the harsh reality of their journey. Curator: Yes, the iconography of the Holy Family taking refuge is a powerful symbol of resilience, often commissioned by religious orders to reinforce faith. The light breaking through the trees—it's no accident. Editor: Exactly! It's a visual metaphor for divine protection. The angel, too, suggests more than just rest; it implies guardianship. Curator: Though the artist isn't particularly famous, works like this provided critical imagery for the faithful. It reminds us of the church's role in shaping artistic production. Editor: And how these images, repeated and reinterpreted, solidify core beliefs and offer solace through familiar visual narratives. Curator: Precisely, a small drawing, but a window into a larger world. Editor: Indeed, layers of meaning revealed by seemingly simple images.