The Flight Into Egypt (between 1645 and 1650)

This deeply evocative painting by Spanish Baroque master Bartolomé Estebán Murillo, titled "The Flight Into Egypt," portrays the Biblical episode where the Holy Family, consisting of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus, flees to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of the infants. Created between 1645 and 1650, this piece is a stunning representation of spiritual and physical journey through its composition and use of light.In the painting, Mary is depicted serenely riding a donkey, cradling the sleeping baby Jesus, embodying a sense of divine protection and maternal care. Joseph, walking alongside them, looks onward with a concerned yet resolute expression, guiding the donkey through a rocky terrain. The landscape, though subdued, plays a crucial role in the narrative, underscoring the arduous nature of their escape.Murillo's use of soft, harmonious colours highlights the tranquility and the protective embrace of Mary, contrasting with the earthy tones of the landscape and Joseph's attire, which suggest the harsh reality of their flight. The artist's attention to detail, from the folds of the garments to the realistic depiction of the donkey, all serve to draw the viewer into this moment of quiet urgency.A masterpiece of Baroque religious art, "The Flight into Egypt" not only offers a window into a pivotal moment in Christian storytelling but also showcases Murillo’s incredible ability to convey emotion and narrative through painterly technique.