Mary, Supported by Two Angels, Follows Joseph, plate 26 from The Flight into Egypt 1753

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this etching titled, *Mary, Supported by Two Angels, Follows Joseph*, as part of his *The Flight into Egypt* series. Tiepolo was working in 18th century Venice, a hub of artistic innovation, but also a society defined by rigid class structures and expectations for religious art. Here, the familiar biblical narrative takes on a tender, human dimension, with the divine support acting as a quiet intervention. Mary is depicted shrouded, and assisted by two angels, highlighting her vulnerability as a mother and refugee. Joseph is on a donkey, his back is turned. We witness the Holy Family as migrants, their journey mirroring the experiences of countless individuals who have been displaced throughout history. This challenges traditional representations of religious icons, instead offering a story of survival and resilience.