The Flight into Egypt 1514 - 1663

Jan Miel captured "The Flight into Egypt" on canvas, a scene rich with symbolism and ancient echoes. The Virgin Mary, carrying the infant Christ, rides a donkey led by Saint Joseph—a humble procession escaping the wrath of Herod. Observe the donkey, an animal associated with poverty and servitude, yet here, it bears divinity. This motif appears across cultures; the animal of burden transformed into a sacred carrier. The swaddled infant, evoking vulnerability, contrasts starkly with his future role as a savior. Remember images of earlier mother goddesses cradling their sons. This archetype carries a primal force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, triggering empathy and protective instincts. Like a snake shedding its skin, this symbol of mother and child reappears, renewed, carrying layers of accumulated meaning. Consider the emotional weight of the image, a testament to the cyclical nature of history, where ancient symbols are reborn, continuously shaping our understanding of the human condition.