Flight into Egypt c. 17th century

Curator: François de Poilly the Elder's "Flight into Egypt" strikes me first as a moment of shadowed serenity amid what must have been utter chaos and fear. Editor: Absolutely. The artist really captures that sense of precarious calm. Note the palm tree behind Mary. Palms are often associated with victory and eternal life. Here, it suggests resilience, a symbol of hope during hardship. Curator: It's interesting how Poilly uses the cherub, offering coins, a poignant symbol of earthly wealth, juxtaposed with the vulnerability of the Holy Family seeking refuge. Editor: It's a visual reminder that even divine figures can be subject to displacement. The coins also speak to the temporal, the material world that contrasts with their spiritual journey. Curator: I find myself pondering what "Egypt" represents here. It's not merely a geographical location but a liminal space. Editor: Indeed, a place of refuge, a land of both promise and peril, a temporary home where a new cultural identity might be forged. Curator: It's fascinating how the familiar biblical narrative becomes a lens for exploring universal themes of exile. Editor: Exactly. And the Flight transforms into a resonant image of seeking safety and belonging.