Rest on the Flight into Egypt with Saddled Donkey 1871

Rodolphe Bresdin rendered "Rest on the Flight into Egypt with Saddled Donkey" using etching. It depicts Mary, Jesus, and Joseph pausing during their flight, amidst a densely vegetated landscape. Note the donkey, a motif recurring across centuries, symbolizing humility and service. From ancient Near Eastern art, where animals bore divine figures, to Christian iconography, the donkey carries sacred weight. This humble beast, often overlooked, embodies faithfulness and silent endurance. The image evokes earlier works such as the Romanesque image of Christ's entry to Jerusalem. The Flight into Egypt—a recurrent theme—speaks to our collective memory of seeking refuge. It echoes in countless narratives of displacement and hope, reminding us of the timeless human struggle for safety and belonging. The image taps into a deep well of empathy and shared history.