Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1612

Editor: Here we have Raffaello Schiaminossi's "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," an etching, likely from the late 16th or early 17th century, found at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels both intimate and staged. What story does this print tell us about the perception of the Holy Family at the time? Curator: It's interesting to consider how this print contributes to the evolving visual narrative surrounding the Holy Family. Think about the socio-political context of the time – how did religious institutions and patrons shape the depiction of biblical scenes for public consumption? Were these images primarily devotional, or did they serve a broader purpose? Editor: I hadn't considered how much power the church held in dictating the visual narrative. I guess I always viewed it as a straightforward biblical story. Curator: Exactly! Examining art within its historical framework reveals the complex interplay between faith, power, and artistic expression. It reminds us that images are never neutral; they reflect and shape societal values. Editor: I’ll never look at religious art the same way again. Thanks!