Holy Family Resting on the Flight into Egypt c. mid 17th century

Laurent de La Hyre created this drawing of the Holy Family, likely in France, sometime in the first half of the 17th century. In subdued gray tones, we see Mary, Joseph, and the infant Christ resting during their flight into Egypt. The narrative is simple, but the historical context of this piece is quite interesting. Consider the Catholic Church’s patronage of the arts during this time, and how artists were commissioned to create religious works that reinforced specific doctrines or conveyed moral lessons. This idyllic image emphasizes the humanity of the Holy Family, inviting viewers to empathize with their journey and devotion, and perhaps see them as an example of devotion. To fully appreciate this drawing, we need to consult historical texts, theological treatises, and biographies of the artist to reveal the complex web of influences that shaped its creation. Art history reminds us that visual expression is always embedded in a particular time, place, and set of social relations.