Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Attributedattributed to Pieter Claeissins (Flemish, 1499 or 1500 - 1576)

AttributedPreviously attributed to Adrien Ysenbrandt (Flemish, ca. 1500 - before 1551)

AttributedPreviously attributed to Joachim Patinir (Netherlandish, ca. 1485 - 1524)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1550-1560

Mediumoil on panel

Dimensionspanel: 36 × 28 in. (91.4 × 71.1 cm.) frame: 46 1/2 × 38 × 3 1/2 in. (118.1 × 96.5 × 8.9 cm.)

DescriptionThe Virgin and the Child resting during their escape into Egypt.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

Not on view

Label TextUsing a narrative strategy common in the 16th century, the artist tells the story of the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt by depicting the same figures more than once. In the foreground, a beautiful Virgin and Child rest in a shady glade while, in the middle distance, we see them again, atop a donkey. Never having seen the landscape of Palestine, the Flemish artist fills it with imaginary castles and buildings that would seem more at home in his own northern European countryside.

Object number26.94