The Flight into Egypt c. 1655

Aelbert Cuyp painted this Flight into Egypt, capturing a scene laden with both pastoral tranquility and profound religious symbolism. Here, the Virgin Mary is depicted fleeing to Egypt with the infant Jesus to escape King Herod’s infanticide. The donkey on which Mary and Jesus are traveling is a humble creature, yet it bears the weight of salvation. This recalls images of Christ's entry into Jerusalem on a donkey before his Passion. This moment mirrors the Exodus, where Moses led the Israelites to freedom, and echoes in the collective psyche, representing refuge and hope amidst persecution. The warm light enveloping the landscape is not merely aesthetic; it symbolizes divine protection, a beacon of hope guiding them through times of uncertainty. The imagery in this painting shows how art can convey deep psychological and emotional truths, resonating across cultures and eras.