Landschap met roeiboot op een rivier en vlucht naar Egypte Possibly 1776 - 1779

Richard Earlom created this etching titled 'Landschap met roeiboot op een rivier en vlucht naar Egypte' – or, Landscape with Rowboat on a River and Flight to Egypt - in 1776. Earlom was working during a period when the picturesque was in vogue, prioritizing idealized beauty over realism. Here, the biblical scene of the Flight to Egypt is placed within a serene, pastoral landscape. We see figures traversing a river by boat and on horseback, while cattle wade nearby. The pyramids in the background add an exotic and ancient element to the scene. The image evokes a sense of timelessness and universality. Though ostensibly depicting a biblical narrative, the scene is noticeably devoid of religious fervor, and the figures blend almost seamlessly into their surroundings. By depoliticizing this imagery of the Holy Family fleeing persecution, Earlom invites viewers to contemplate broader themes of displacement, refuge, and the search for safety. The piece resonates with the human experience of migration and the quest for a place to call home, encouraging reflection on both personal and collective journeys.