The rest on the flight into Egypt: a night piece c. 1644

Rembrandt van Rijn's "The rest on the flight into Egypt: a night piece" is a small etching depicting the biblical story of the Holy Family's escape from Herod's massacre of the innocents. The scene is set at night, with a single lantern illuminating the figures of Joseph and Mary, while a young child rests on Mary's lap. The dramatic use of chiaroscuro, with deep shadows and highlights, evokes the sense of darkness and danger surrounding the journey. The etching is a powerful example of Rembrandt's mastery of printmaking.