Rest on the Flight into Egypt; the Holy Family under a palm tree surrounded by angels, putti, and a male cleric or saint 1578

Giorgio Ghisi created this print, ‘Rest on the Flight into Egypt,’ sometime in the 16th century. The intricate linear patterns, achieved through the medium of engraving, immediately strike the eye, creating a dense, almost tactile surface. Notice how Ghisi uses a complex arrangement of figures, objects and natural forms to create a tightly organized composition. The placement of the Holy Family beneath the palm, surrounded by angels, establishes a focal point. Meanwhile, the putti above and the cleric to the side are rendered in elaborate detail to guide your eye. The balance and harmony achieved through this meticulous arrangement speak to the Renaissance ideals of order and proportion. Consider the visual language employed here: the palm tree, a symbol of triumph, arches protectively over the family, while the angels and cleric offer gestures of reverence. The detailed textures and controlled lines contribute to a sense of idealized beauty and spiritual contemplation. Through its structured composition and symbolic elements, Ghisi’s work offers a rich viewing experience that continues to resonate across centuries.