Rest During the Flight into Egypt 1800 - 1877

Philipp Veit created this preparatory drawing for an altarpiece depicting the Holy Family's sojourn in Egypt sometime in the early 19th century. Veit was a leading figure of the Nazarenes, a group of German Romantic painters who sought to revive Christian art. This drawing, rendered in delicate lines, showcases the Nazarenes' interest in imbuing religious narratives with emotional depth. The figures of Mary and Joseph, traditionally presented as stoic, are here imbued with a gentle humanity. Mary kneels offering food, and Joseph holds the Christ child with tenderness. The familial intimacy portrayed here speaks to the Romantic era's emphasis on personal piety and emotional connection to religious subjects. Veit’s drawing invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, family, and the search for solace. It presents a quiet moment of respite, filled with the promise of hope amidst uncertain times.