Rest on the Flight into Egypt c. 19th century

Curator: This is Mauro Gandolfi’s "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Gandolfi was born in 1764 and died in 1834. Editor: It has a surprisingly intimate, domestic feel for a religious scene. I am struck by its quiet simplicity. Curator: Gandolfi, working in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, engages with a Neoclassical aesthetic, simplifying the scene and focusing on the human drama. How do you interpret that drama? Editor: I see a family seeking refuge, a poignant depiction of displacement. Look closely at the simple rendering of their garments, which speaks volumes about their material conditions and journey. The means of production certainly suggest an intended accessibility. Curator: The image also draws on existing conventions; the Flight into Egypt became a popular subject offering artists a space to explore themes of family, exile, and divine protection. Editor: Yes, it’s fascinating how the artist balances the universal theme of family with the specific historical and material circumstances of these refugees. That comes across very well. Curator: It’s a delicate balance, indeed. Editor: And one that continues to resonate today.