Rest on the Flight into Egypt - Bernardino Passeri

A detailed 1584 engraving by Bernardino Passeri depicting the Holy Family resting during their journey to Egypt.

This engraving, dated 1584, depicts the Holy Family during their journey to Egypt. Bernardino Passeri, an Italian artist active in Rome, presents a scene of quiet domesticity amidst the narrative of their flight. The Virgin Mary sits upon the ground, offering nourishment to the Christ Child, while Saint Joseph stands behind them, his hand resting upon a tree branch. A donkey, laden with their modest belongings, waits in the background, suggesting the arduous nature of their travel.

Passeri employs the stylistic conventions of the late sixteenth century, characterised by elongated figures and complex drapery. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged in a triangular formation that draws the eye toward the interaction between the mother and child. The background features a subtle suggestion of a distant town, providing context to their journey without distracting from the primary subjects. The shading is achieved through precise hatching and cross-hatching, techniques that define the volume of the figures and the texture of their garments.

At the base of the print, a Latin inscription references the Gospel of Matthew, specifically the moment Joseph is warned in a dream to take the child and his mother into Egypt. This inclusion of text is typical of the period, serving to anchor the visual narrative within the broader biblical tradition. The print reflects the technical proficiency of Roman printmakers during the late Renaissance and Mannerist periods, who often worked in collaboration with engravers to disseminate religious imagery. The work demonstrates a clear focus on human emotion and the physical reality of the figures, moving away from the rigid iconographic styles of earlier centuries. It remains a fine example of the narrative print tradition, where technical skill serves the clarity of the theological subject matter.