Vlucht naar Egypte c. 1580 - 1608

This print, titled "Vlucht naar Egypte", is by Roeland van Bolten. The monochromatic etching has the tonal range to create form in the scene. The composition guides our eye in a circular path. We see the holy family escaping Herod’s decree, accompanied by angels, toward Egypt. The figures are rendered with fine, controlled lines that define their drapery and musculature, creating a sense of movement and drama. The structural arrangement, with its layered figures and detailed background, employs a complex use of space. This work also illustrates the intersection of sacred narrative and artistic form. The formal elements—line, composition, and spatial arrangement—converge to create a work that is not just visually engaging but also deeply rooted in cultural and religious themes. By examining these structural components, we gain a deeper appreciation for how art can convey complex stories.