Flight into Egypt 1934

Antonio Ligabue painted this ‘Flight into Egypt’ with oil on board. Here we see Mary, holding the infant Christ, escaping Herod’s decree. The halo around their heads, an emblem of holiness borrowed from Roman imperial art, marks their divine status. The donkey they ride isn't merely a beast of burden; it’s a symbol of humility, patience and service. We find the donkey throughout history, from the Bible to pagan rituals, representing the animalistic impulses within us. Here, it is the safe passage into the unknown. Consider how this scene echoes the many stories of flight and refuge. The emotional weight of a mother protecting her child transcends time. Ligabue captures this primal fear and hope, drawing on a deep well of human experience. It is through these symbols that the past speaks to us, revealing the enduring power of images to connect us to our shared cultural memory.