Rest on the Flight into Egypt c. 1610 - 1650

Curator: Cornelis Galle I created this engraving, "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," sometime between 1610 and 1650. It's currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression? A gentle quiet pervades the whole scene despite the relatively busy composition with several figures occupying the foreground, as though we’ve stumbled upon a secluded moment in a sacred journey. Curator: Galle certainly places the Holy Family within a broader context of displacement. Think about the political climate of 17th century Europe, wracked with religious conflict and persecution. This image resonates with those who were forced to flee their homes. The "flight" becomes a metaphor for survival against oppression. Editor: Absolutely, and notice the positioning of Mary and the child—she’s bathed in light, centered and serene despite the flight suggesting an internal peace or divinely-granted respite amidst turmoil. That light, of course, carries its own symbolism within Christian iconography, marking her as the Mother of God. And then the playful angels frolicking with the lamb contrast with the burdened figures, implying the hope and innocence threatened by persecution. Curator: I appreciate how you've highlighted the interplay of light and dark—it contributes to a pervasive mood of instability and potential for salvation, reflecting the lived experiences of so many marginalized populations fleeing violence even today. I wonder about the seemingly banal depiction of Joseph in the background however. What are your thoughts? Editor: He certainly seems relegated to a supporting role, almost eclipsed by the natural surroundings, but then consider Joseph's presence in numerous depictions, an everyman always present, the archetype protector overshadowed only by faith. The angels and animals around him also recall the imagery of Arcadia, echoing the classical desire for earthly paradise, but with this overlay of Christian belief. It becomes more complex than a simple flight. Curator: Your observations highlight the nuanced symbolism within this image, revealing deeper layers of meaning concerning faith, displacement, and collective memory, prompting critical discussions around contemporary social justice. Editor: Exactly—ultimately this work invites us to connect historical symbols with contemporary realities. The symbols persist, but what we bring to it reshapes its power, doesn’t it?