The Flight into Egypt 1641

Jacob Jordaens crafted "The Flight into Egypt" with oil on canvas, a work that captures more than a biblical scene. Here, we witness a journey laden with symbols. Angels, traditionally messengers of the divine, guide the Holy Family, signaling divine protection and intervention. The presence of putti, or winged infants, suggests themes of innocence, love, and salvation. But observe, this isn't merely a depiction of safe passage; it's an echo of other journeys across art history. Consider the motif of the guiding angel, reminiscent of Hermes leading souls— a psychopomp— in ancient Greek art. This mirrors the angel's role here, directing the Holy Family away from danger towards safety and salvation. The angel’s forward-pointing gesture directs both the Holy Family, and us, to safety and a better future. Such imagery taps into our collective unconscious, stirring ancestral memories and a deep-seated yearning for guidance. This painting is not simply a story; it's a cyclical return to archetypal themes, reimagined and imbued with new, yet familiar, meaning.