Vlucht naar Egypte 1633 - 1664

Jan Miel made this etching of the Flight into Egypt sometime in the 17th century. As an etching, this image was made by coating a metal plate with wax, drawing the composition with a sharp needle to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid. The longer the acid stays on the plate, the deeper the lines will be. Then, the plate is inked and pressed onto paper. The beauty of etching lies in its graphic nature and the skilled hand of the artist. Here, we see the Virgin Mary, baby Jesus, and Saint Joseph traveling through a lush landscape. The image relies on simple lines, expertly deployed. The printmaking process was more democratic than painting, as multiple impressions could be pulled from a single plate. Prints like this one allowed wider audiences to experience Miel’s artistic vision, which is often overlooked in favor of the traditionally-understood “high arts.” It’s important to remember that skill and artistry can take many forms.