The Flight into Egypt 1470 - 1475

Martin Schongauer created "The Flight into Egypt" using the technique of engraving, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, then filled with ink and printed. The image’s visual impact comes not only from Schongauer’s skill, but from the very nature of the engraving process, where each line must be deliberately and laboriously cut. Look closely at the lines defining Mary’s robes, the donkey’s fur, and the lush vegetation. You’ll see the artist varied the depth and thickness of the engraved lines to create tonal variations and textures. Schongauer wasn’t just reproducing an image; he was meticulously crafting a work of art through manual skill. In a time before mechanical reproduction, the labor-intensive process of engraving was itself a valuable commodity. Appreciating the artistry of this print reminds us to value the work involved in production, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.