Rust op de vlucht naar Egypte 1612 - 1686

Henri Mauperché created this print, "Rest on the Flight to Egypt," in the seventeenth century using etching. The image depicts Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus pausing during their escape to Egypt, a popular subject during this period in the Netherlands. But what does it mean to choose this particular scene and subject? Seventeenth-century Dutch art was heavily influenced by the Protestant Reformation and the rise of a wealthy merchant class. Artists sought to create works that reflected their values and beliefs. Religious imagery, such as this print, often served as a reminder of the importance of faith. This work can be seen as an expression of the social and religious values of its time. To understand it better, we can turn to historical documents and theological texts, as well as consider the role of the art market and the institutions that shaped artistic production during this period. This print offers a glimpse into the world of the Dutch Golden Age.