The Flight into Egypt

Description

Martin Schongauer was one of the most prolific early engravers from the Rhine Valley. He signed all his prints with his initials, making him the first printmaker whose authorship was absolutely clear. While a handful of the artist’s paintings survive, Schongauer’s engravings inspired generations of artists, including Albrecht Dürer. This iconic image shows the Holy Family resting while fleeing the Massacre of the Innocents and their home in Israel for Egypt. The work reflects some traditional accounts of the story, in which angels lowered date palms for easy harvesting, so Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child would not starve.

The Flight into Egypt

Martin Schongauer

1488–91

Accession Number

79861

Medium

Engraving on paper

Dimensions

Image/plate: 25.7 × 17.2 cm (10 1/8 × 6 13/16 in.); Sheet: 26.3 × 17.7 cm (10 3/8 × 7 in.)

Classification

engraving

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.