Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1612 - 1615

"Rest on the Flight into Egypt" is an engraving by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Bolswert, working in the Netherlands, was part of a society grappling with religious and political upheaval. At first glance, we see a biblical scene rendered with delicate precision. Mary nurses the infant Jesus, while Joseph and angels watch over them beneath a sheltering tree. The scene echoes themes of motherhood, protection, and divine intervention, but it's also a narrative steeped in the realities of displacement. This image encapsulates a moment of respite amidst the journey of refugees fleeing persecution. Bolswert invites us to consider the Holy Family not just as religious figures, but as individuals experiencing vulnerability. It's a poignant reminder that even the sacred can be found in the midst of human suffering. The questions Bolswert raises are eternally relevant: how do we offer refuge, and how do we recognize the divine in those who are most vulnerable?