The Flight into Egypt: a Night Piece

1651

Rembrandt van Rijn

Associated Names
Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist, Dutch, 1606 - 1669

This is a drawing of a dimly lit scene with multiple elements partially obscured by shadow. The drawing is composed mainly of dark tones, with a central area that seems to be illuminated, depicting a figure holding a lantern. The glow from the lantern casts light on surrounding details, creating a contrasted effect against the dark backdrop. The textures in the drawing seem meticulously rendered, with cross-hatching and shading adding depth and intricacy to the scene. Other forms appear around the central figure, though they are less distinctly outlined and seem enshrouded in the darkness which dominates the composition. The overall atmosphere is one of mystery and moodiness, inviting viewers to look more closely to discern the subtle details.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, burin and drypoint

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.7222

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    White/Boon 1969, no. 53, State vi/vi

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing Julius Rosenwald (Lugt 1760b) purchased from Print Club; given to the National Gallery of Art 1943

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1930

  • Prints and Drawings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, 1930

  • Rembrandt Etchings: Lent by Mr. Lessing J. Rosenwald, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 1930.

1932

  • Etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Art Galleries, Washington, D.C., 1932.

1946

  • The Life of Christ as Depicted in the Etchings of Rembrandt, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1946, no cat.

1956

  • The Life of Christ in Prints, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1956-1957, no cat.

1961

  • University of Notre Dame Art Gallery, South Bend, IN, 1961.

Bibliography

1923

  • Hind, Arthur M. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1923.

1969

  • White, Christopher and Karel G. Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Van Gendt & Co., 1969.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1993: no. 262, vi/x.

Wikidata ID

Q65024784

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