Flight into Egypt 1848

This is Charles Jacque’s etching of the Flight into Egypt. Jacque was part of a generation of artists in France who, in the mid-19th century, were turning to the countryside, and rural life, for their subject matter. This intimate etching allows us to consider the biblical narrative through the lens of 19th-century French ruralism. Mary and the infant Jesus escape Herod’s decree to kill all male children. Joseph leads the donkey carrying mother and child to safety in Egypt. We see a holy family as refugees, fleeing violence and persecution. The image emphasizes the family’s vulnerability. The landscape is barren and unforgiving. Here the artist asks us to consider both the personal plight and the wider implications of seeking asylum. The scene mirrors contemporary experiences of displacement and migration, reminding us of the universal need for safety and refuge.