Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1738 - 1800

Fabio Berardi etched this Rest on the Flight into Egypt in the 18th century. At its heart, we see the archetypal symbol of refuge: a family seeking shelter, watched over by divine entities. Note the angel hovering above, a motif that stretches back to antiquity, representing divine intervention. It's a gesture akin to the protective deities found in Roman and Greek art, where winged figures signal a link between the earthly and the celestial realms. Joseph is carrying the child, mirroring ancient depictions of fathers protecting their offspring, a theme universal across cultures. The act of seeking rest, as depicted here, also resonates deeply, calling to mind the cyclical nature of life's journeys. The image taps into collective memory, reminding us of shared human experiences of vulnerability and the search for safety. The flight becomes a metaphor for the continuous human quest for sanctuary.