The Holy Family on the run. Sketch 

"The Holy Family on the Run" is a sketch by Wilhelm Marstrand, created sometime between 1810 and 1873 using oil on canvas. Marstrand, a Danish artist, often explored themes of religion and everyday life. In this intimate scene, we find Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing. This contrasts starkly with traditional depictions of the Holy Family, often presented in idealized, majestic settings. The artist presents them as refugees in a barren landscape, highlighting their vulnerability. Mary’s head is bowed, and her gaze is heavy with the weight of her responsibility. It’s interesting to consider how Marstrand, living in a time of social change, might have been drawn to portray this foundational story with such palpable human emotion. The sketch resonates with contemporary issues of displacement, reminding us that even sacred figures can embody the struggles of marginalized communities.