Rest in Egypt 18th-19th century

Editor: This is "Rest in Egypt" by Adam von Bartsch. It's a print, and the figures seem huddled and exhausted. How do you interpret this work in the context of its time? Curator: Consider the role of religious imagery in 18th-century Europe. Prints like this circulated widely, shaping popular understanding of biblical stories. Notice how Bartsch emphasizes the family's vulnerability. Editor: So, it's not just a depiction, but also a commentary on their social status? Curator: Precisely. The print engages with the politics of representation, inviting empathy for those displaced and seeking refuge. What do you make of the donkey? Editor: It adds to the sense of humble travel, a real contrast to more idealized depictions of the Holy Family. It shows the reality of their journey. Curator: Reflecting on this print, we see how art can humanize even the most iconic narratives, prompting viewers to consider the socio-political dimensions of faith.