The Flight Into Egypt 1645 - 1650

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo painted ‘The Flight into Egypt,’ capturing a biblical scene through his 17th-century Spanish lens. Murillo’s life in Seville, marked by early loss and a burgeoning artistic career, positioned him within a society deeply influenced by the Catholic Church, an influence palpable in this work. The painting depicts Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s infanticide. Murillo presents a tender image of the Holy Family, an image of vulnerable migrants seeking refuge. Mary’s serene expression and gentle hold on the baby Jesus contrast sharply with the danger they are escaping. The use of light and shadow, characteristic of Baroque painting, adds drama and emotion to the scene, emphasizing the family's humanity amidst their divine status. Murillo seems to invite empathy, reminding us of the universal plight of refugees. In his compassionate rendering, Murillo not only tells a biblical story, but also subtly reflects on the social realities of displacement.