Joseph and Mary Prepare to Leave (1750–1753)

This intricate etching by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, titled "Joseph and Mary Prepare to Leave," strikingly captures a moment of earnest preparation and divine intervention. Created between 1750 and 1753, the artwork draws viewers into a biblical narrative filled with emotional intensity and spiritual significance.In the composition, we see the figures of Joseph and Mary, bathed in soft light that emphasizes their central role. Mary, serene and contemplative, is seated prominently, enveloped in flowing robes that reflect her purity and grace. Beside her, Joseph appears engaged in thoughtful conversation with an elderly man, possibly a guide or a helper for their impending journey. This interaction suggests a moment of planning or seeking advice, underlining Joseph's role as the protector and caretaker.Adding a dynamic element to the scene is an angel, who bursts into the composition with a sense of urgency and divine presence. The angel's flowing garments and forceful gesture towards the donkey, which stands ready with a pack, inject a celestial guidance to the earthly preparations. This interplay between the divine and the mundane poetically underscores the importance of the journey that lies ahead for the Holy Family.The setting is rustic and humble, with a thatched roof and a rough wooden door that speaks to the simplicity of Joseph and Mary's circumstances. Every element in Tiepolo's work—from the expressive faces to the textured surroundings—conveys a narrative richness that invites contemplation about faith, trust, and divine will.