Landscape with Rest in Flight to Egypt 1666

Claude Lorrain painted "Landscape with Rest in Flight to Egypt" with oil on canvas. Born in the Duchy of Lorraine, Claude spent his career in Italy. Here we see his masterful construction of an idyllic landscape as backdrop for the biblical story of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt. The painting exists within a history of representing the Holy Family as refugees. We can consider the historical and political context of the seventeenth century, marked by religious conflicts and power struggles, and how this might have influenced the painting's creation and reception. It’s interesting to consider how the painting may have served to evoke empathy among its viewers. Lorrain’s work invites us to reflect on the universal themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for refuge. The artist offers not just a depiction of a biblical event, but also a meditation on the human condition.