Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, "Rest on the Flight into Egypt", in the late 16th or early 17th century. It depicts Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus during the Holy Family's flight from Herod's persecution. During the Reformation, artists navigated new roles; they had to balance religious devotion and personal expression. Goltzius, a Dutch printmaker, cultivated an interest in portraying idealized human forms and dramatic narratives. Here, Mary is not just a mother, but a symbol of divine care. The intimate act of breastfeeding underscores the humanity of Jesus, and the shared experience of motherhood. It reflects a society grappling with shifting religious, political and cultural values. The setting is idyllic, a moment of respite from political and religious turmoil, yet it carries the weight of their refugee status. What does it mean to find peace in a world of political upheaval?