Flight into Egypt 

Eugène Girardet painted this Flight into Egypt in the late nineteenth century using oil paint, a material traditionally associated with fine art. Girardet has built up the image with thin layers of diluted pigment to produce a smooth surface, almost like a photograph. Although this application obscures the labor involved, we can still consider painting as a mode of production. He worked within a well-established system of studios, exhibitions, and sales, not unlike a factory. Here, the artist's choice of subject matter and the smooth finish of the painting come together to create an exotic orientalist vision. While his technique may be aligned with the Western art tradition, the painting's cultural significance stems from its depiction of a biblical narrative set against the backdrop of Egypt, reflecting European fascination with distant lands. So while the painting may appear to be simply a work of fine art, it’s also a product of its time. Understanding its materials, the artist’s technique, and its cultural context allows us to appreciate the complexities of this work.