The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece 1651

Rembrandt van Rijn's etching, “The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece” (1651), depicts the biblical story of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod's persecution. This dramatic nocturnal scene, illuminated by a single lantern held by Joseph, showcases Rembrandt’s mastery of chiaroscuro. The figures are shrouded in darkness, their forms emerging through dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, capturing the sense of urgency and secrecy of their flight. This etching is a poignant example of Rembrandt’s exploration of light and shadow, a hallmark of his art, and his ability to imbue even biblical narratives with a profound sense of human emotion.