Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1641

Stefano della Bella etched this Rest on the Flight into Egypt, depicting a moment of respite for the Holy Family. Dominating the scene is the Virgin Mary, holding the Christ Child, while a bird lands on his hand. Consider how the dove, often seen as a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit, evolves from ancient symbols of love and renewal, like those associated with Aphrodite. Across millennia, the dove persists, bearing witness to cultural memory. The iconography here is rich. The image of Madonna and Child is itself a powerful motif, resonating with deeply embedded emotional connections, a maternal bond that transcends time. The composition invites reflection on the human condition, the universal need for rest and protection. This etching serves as a reminder of how symbols and stories continually resurface.