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Rest on the Flight into Egypt (Barocci)

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Rest on the Flight into Egypt
ArtistFederico Barocci
Yearc. 1573
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions133 cm × 110 cm (52 in × 43 in)
LocationVatican Museums, Vatican

Rest on the Flight into Egypt is an oil on canvas painting by Italian painter Federico Barocci, created c. 1573. It is held in the Pinacoteca Vaticana.[1]

Description

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The painting depicts an episode from the early life of Jesus, the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, a usual subject in Catholic art. The scene is shown from a simple and familiar point of view so as to invite devotion among the faithful. In the center, the Virgin Mary, who is seated, draws water. Behind her, Joseph holds out a branch with a few cherries from a tree to Jesus. The straw hat, the flask, the food bag and the donkey, at the right, contribute to create an atmosphere of intimacy. The presence of cherries, however, are a symbol prefiguring the Passion of Christ.[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ Les Musées du Vatican, Edizioni Musei Vaticani, 2010, pp. 270-271 (French)
  2. ^ Les Musées du Vatican, Edizioni Musei Vaticani, 2010, pp. 270-271 (French)
  3. ^ Rest during the Flight into Egypt: the Holy Family portrayed by Barocci, Daily Compass