Rest on the Flight into Egypt 1648 - 1665

Elisabetta Sirani's "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" (1648-1665) is a small etching depicting the biblical story of the Holy Family's journey to Egypt. This artwork showcases Sirani's exceptional skill in capturing the tenderness of the Virgin Mary as she nurses the baby Jesus, while Joseph rests nearby, his face full of quiet contemplation. Sirani, a prolific artist whose short life was tragically cut short at the age of 27, created this intimate scene through intricate lines and subtle shading, demonstrating her mastery of the etching technique. The work exemplifies the Baroque period's embrace of emotional expression and religious narratives.