Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1589

Jacob Matham's "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" (1589) depicts the biblical story of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution of newborn boys. The print, housed in the Rijksmuseum, features a detailed depiction of the Virgin Mary nursing the Christ child while Joseph, holding a staff, observes the scene. The composition is set against a backdrop of a mountainous landscape, creating a sense of depth and realism. This artwork exemplifies the use of printmaking to disseminate religious narratives during the 16th and 17th centuries.