Rest on the flight into Egypt, Mary holding the infant Christ while St. Joseph points into the distance, copy after Cantarini 1632 - 1644

This undated etching by Simone Cantarini, after his own painting, captures the Holy Family’s rest on their flight into Egypt. Notice how the composition is structured by a series of intersecting lines, creating a dense, almost claustrophobic space. The figures of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph are closely grouped, their forms defined by a network of hatched lines that give the scene a sense of immediacy. The lines create a visual tension, mirroring the disruption and uncertainty of their journey. Cantarini's choice to use etching emphasizes line over form. This abstraction reflects a move away from the traditional, idealized representations of religious scenes. The artist engages with a contemporary mode of representation, questioning established artistic and religious norms. The emphasis on line and form allows for multiple interpretations. It acknowledges that the meaning of the scene is not fixed but open to re-evaluation.