The Flight, Holy Family at the Right, Joseph Looking to the Left 1750 - 1753

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo created this print, "The Flight, Holy Family at the Right, Joseph Looking to the Left," in the 18th century, a period marked by significant social and political change. Here, the Holy Family's flight into Egypt departs from traditional depictions. Mary, with a halo, rides a donkey, while Joseph, burdened with a basket and staff, looks back, seemingly concerned. This intimate portrayal reflects the anxieties of the time and a shift towards more humanistic interpretations of religious narratives. Tiepolo's composition invites us to consider the emotional weight of displacement. The family's journey symbolizes the universal experience of seeking refuge amidst political turmoil. How might their vulnerabilities resonate with contemporary experiences of migration and forced displacement? The image offers a profound commentary on the search for safety and stability across time.