The Flight into Egypt – Maarten de Vos – 17th-Century Copperplate Engraving

This beautiful old copper engraving depicts one of the most famous moments from the life of the Holy Family: the flight into Egypt. Joseph leads the donkey on which Mary sits with the young child Jesus. Behind them unfolds an extensive landscape with peasants, fields, houses, and Herod's soldiers in the distance.

The scene is based on a design by the Antwerp painter and draughtsman Maerten de Vos (1532–1603). The print was engraved by Jan-Baptist Barbé (1578–1649) and published by Joannes Galle (1600–1676). The work is part of the famous print series Vita, Passio, et Resurrectio Iesu Christi, about the life, suffering, and resurrection of Christ. The series was originally published at the end of the 16th century and remained in circulation in the 17th century. One copy of this specific scene is in the collection of the MSK Gent, among others. 

A print full of details

The longer you look, the more you discover. Mary holds the child close to her, while Joseph looks ahead and seems to point the way. On the right in the background, farm labourers are working, and further on we see the soldiers who are searching for the child. The landscape is composed of hundreds of fine lines, giving the trees, clothing, buildings, and landscape a striking depth.

That is precisely the charm of old copper engravings: with only lines and hatching, an engraver could create a complete world on paper. The scene is therefore not only religiously interesting, but also a beautiful example of the graphic art from the Southern Netherlands.

An enduring inspiration

The story of the flight into Egypt is more than a historical biblical scene. Joseph is ordered to set out without knowing exactly what awaits him on the way. He takes responsibility for Mary and the child and trusts that the path will unfold further. He is also protected from the soldiers who are searching for him. 

Perhaps that is also a beautiful lesson today: you do not always have to be able to see the whole path to take the next step. Sometimes trust simply begins with getting up and going.

That is what makes this kind of old religious art so special. The scene is centuries old, but the themes – protection, trust, courage, and hope – remain recognizable. It is precisely those enduring stories that ensure that old art can still inspire today.

Professionally framed

The engraving is beautifully presented in a stylish gold-coloured frame with a mat. On the back is a conservation certificate from Monart Lijstenmakerij, dated July 13, 2006. It states, among other things, that the print has been fitted with museum board and conservation materials.

Specifications

A piece of art history for your wall

A special combination of old Flemish printmaking, biblical history, and refined copper engraving. A work that will appeal to both lovers of religious art and collectors of old graphic art, and thanks to its size, can also easily find a beautiful place in a modern interior.