Rest on the Flight into Egypt c. late 17th century

Curator: Here we have a late 17th-century ink drawing titled "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," part of the collection here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The artist is, alas, unknown. Editor: It evokes a sense of calm, even exhaustion, despite the delicate ink work. Everyone seems to be caught in a moment of refuge—a much-needed pause. The way the figures blend into the landscape contributes to a feeling of secrecy, perhaps even danger. Curator: The drawing captures an important episode from the Gospels. Fleeing the Massacre of the Innocents ordered by King Herod, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus sought refuge in Egypt. The theme, the rest during the flight, became quite popular. Look at how the angel gathers what looks like date fruits to nourish the Holy Family. Editor: Yes, I see that now. Knowing that context adds another layer, highlighting their precarious position. They’re not just resting; they’re surviving displacement and political persecution, mirroring the stories of refugees across history. Curator: Precisely. There's an archetypal quality to it, linking it to collective anxieties about displacement and divine intervention. It’s not simply a biblical scene; it represents humanity's constant quest for safety, mirrored across cultures. Editor: This rendition feels more human, relatable. Baroque art often carries elitist symbolism, yet this is pared down to the barest essentials: family, vulnerability, nature's benevolence. It transcends religious dogma. The softness of the drawing and how its monochromatic hues give off a rather dreamlike tone is compelling. It’s as if a secret between the angel and the vulnerable people is being guarded, hidden in nature. Curator: Agreed. The anonymous hand is key. It permits us to encounter these profound universal concepts directly rather than be steered by individual virtuosity or established convention. There's something universal about that artistic sacrifice. Editor: Well, thinking of all the global displacement happening now... This reminds me how ancient yearnings for sanctuary echo powerfully through time and across belief systems, expressed in deceptively gentle compositions like this. Curator: A subtle yet insistent reminder that these ancient narratives continue to illuminate our present reality.