Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1680 - 1744

Lorenzo de' Ferrari created this drawing, Rest on the Flight into Egypt, using pen and brown ink with grey wash in the 18th century. This is a preparatory drawing and although religious in nature, we can see the social and cultural history embedded in the artwork. The image depicts the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus taking a break during their escape to Egypt, with angels attending them. In 18th century Italy, religious institutions played a pivotal role in shaping artistic production, often commissioning art for churches and private devotion. The Catholic Church's influence permeated society, dictating artistic themes and styles. De' Ferrari's work reflects this context, adhering to established iconographic conventions while showcasing his artistic skill. To truly understand this drawing, we need to research the patronage system of the time, examining the role of religious orders and wealthy families in supporting artists like de' Ferrari. By exploring archival documents and studying period treatises on art theory, we can gain deeper insights into the social conditions that influenced its creation.