Epitome in Divae Parthenices Mariae Historiam ab Alberto Durero [Life of the Virgin] 1511

Chelidonius created this woodcut for Albrecht Dürer’s series "Life of the Virgin." The image portrays Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus on their flight into Egypt, a narrative steeped in themes of refuge and displacement. Consider the historical context: during the Reformation, the story of the Holy Family resonated powerfully, mirroring the widespread religious and political upheavals. Chelidonius, adapting Dürer's style, infuses the scene with both the vulnerability and the resilience of those seeking asylum. The detailed naturalism and the looming forest evoke the precariousness of their journey. Yet, notice the tenderness in Mary’s posture, cradling her child. The image captures a nuanced intersection of faith, family, and survival. Chelidonius invites us to reflect on the enduring human quest for safety. What does it mean to leave home? What are the emotional and physical tolls of migration? This woodcut transcends its religious subject matter, becoming a meditation on the universal experiences of seeking sanctuary and preserving hope in times of adversity.