The Flight into Egypt 1927

Frederick George Austin made this print, The Flight into Egypt, in 1927. The monochromatic palette, achieved through etching, sets a somber tone, emphasizing the drama and uncertainty of the biblical journey. You know, artmaking is often about embracing the limitations of your materials, seeing where they lead you. Look closely at the sky – it's a tangle of etched lines, creating a palpable sense of foreboding. The texture is almost rough, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the scene. In contrast, the figures are rendered with more delicate lines, highlighting their vulnerability. The artist’s mark-making feels so deliberate, almost like he's carving out this moment in time. This print reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz, especially in its raw emotionality and commitment to conveying human struggle through simple means. Ultimately, art is about posing questions rather than providing answers, and Austin's work leaves us pondering the weight of history and the resilience of the human spirit.