Rust op de vlucht naar Egypte met engelen 1587 - 1633

This is an anonymous print titled “Rest on the Flight to Egypt with Angels,” part of the Rijksmuseum collection. We don't know when the artwork was made, or by whom. The print depicts a scene that has been represented by European artists for centuries. Mary nurses the infant Jesus, seeking refuge in Egypt from Herod's infanticide. Joseph sits nearby, appearing pensive. The presence of angels offers a sense of divine protection during a moment of vulnerability. We can view the artwork as a depiction of motherhood, exile, and divine intervention. It serves as a meditation on the themes of protection, family, and the search for safety in times of political turmoil. Mary's nurturing act contrasts with the violence of Herod's decree. The print invites viewers to contemplate the experiences of displacement and the enduring power of maternal love, both of which resonate across different cultures and historical periods.