The Holy Family resting on their flight into Egypt 1632 - 1644

Simone Cantarini created this etching, "The Holy Family Resting on Their Flight into Egypt," now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A dominant use of line defines the scene, creating a texture that's both detailed and delicate. Note how Cantarini uses the density and direction of the lines to model forms and create shadow. This technique infuses the scene with a sense of depth. The composition, grouping figures closely together in the foreground, draws our eye to the intimate moment of rest during their journey. The angel plucking dates from the palm tree both protects them and provides sustenance. Cantarini uses the formal structure to convey deeper meanings. The lines create a visual framework that invites contemplation of themes like divine protection and the human experience of the Holy Family. The very materiality of the etching, with its stark contrast of light and shadow, serves to highlight the spiritual weight of the scene.