The Flight into Egypt (altered from Tobias and the Angel by Hercules Segers), 1653
Rembrandt van Rijn; Artist: Altered from a plate by Hercules Seghersexpand_more
Etchingexpand_more
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916expand_more P.1,246
Not on Viewexpand_more
Note the tight texture of the foliage on the left. It hardly looks like the work of Rembrandt, and indeed, it is not. It is the work of Hercules Seghers, a highly experimental printmaker who captured Rembrandt's imagination. Rembrandt was so taken with Seghers's art that he obtained one of his etched printing plates. In an act of creative vandalism, Rembrandt partially effaced the plate, removing Seghers' figures of Tobias and his guardian angel. He then transformed the image into one of the Holy Family on its flight into Egypt. Look closely to find traces of the angels' wings.
When the three wise men reported the birth of "King of the Jews" to King Herod, the king launched a plot to exterminate his infant rival. An angel warned Joseph in a dream, so Joseph led his family out of Herod's dominion and into Egypt. The subject fascinated Rembrandt, and he depicted it frequently.
Details
- Title
- The Flight into Egypt (altered from Tobias and the Angel by Hercules Segers)
- Artist Life
- 1606 - 1669
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.1,246
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Hind 266 vi/vii; Holl.56 vi/vii; B.56; Mz.216; Hollstein vi/vii
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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