The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
c. 1609 Alte Pinakothek, Munich
About this artwork
This nocturnal landscape painting depicts the biblical scene of the Holy Family resting during their flight into Egypt, illuminated by three distinct light sources: a campfire, the moon, and the Milky Way.
Did you know?
Adam Elsheimer's 'The Flight into Egypt' is celebrated as one of the earliest realistic depictions of the night sky in Western art, showcasing the Milky Way with remarkable accuracy. This small copper painting profoundly influenced later artists with its innovative use of light and its intimate portrayal of a grand narrative, making it a pivotal work in art history for its astronomical detail and dramatic chiaroscuro.
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The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Adam Elsheimer, c. 1609
