Flemish Artist, Rest on the Flight Into Egypt, 1660, Oil on Canvas

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An important 17th-century Flemish painting. Oil on canvas, on the first canvas, depicting the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, … Read more An important 17th-century Flemish painting. Oil on canvas, on the first canvas, depicting the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, based on the composition created by Anthony Van Dyck around 1630 and now housed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
The scene shows the Virgin seated at the foot of a large tree, holding the sleeping Child in both hands, tenderly resting against her chest. Behind them appears Saint Joseph, almost entirely immersed in shadow, a silent and protective presence during the Holy Family's stop on their journey to Egypt. On the right, the vegetation thins out, giving way to a broad landscape that gives depth to the scene.
The composition derives from one of Van Dyck's most intense religious inventions, a master capable of combining the Flemish tradition with the chromatic richness of Venetian painting and a delicate observation of affections. In the present painting, the prototype is adapted to a more horizontal format, expanding the landscape and giving breadth to the scene.
The work stands out for its exceptionally high quality of execution, evident in the soft modeling of the flesh tones, the naturalness of the Child's body, and the skillful articulation of the drapery. The pictorial material effectively conveys the different textures of the fabrics: the warm, rich red of the Virgin's robe, the deep blue of the cloak, and the luminous white of the drape are rendered through rich, balanced chromatic passages.
The thin, transparent veil draped over the Virgin's head is remarkably refined, its lightness barely perceptible. The fabric falls delicately from Mary's head and extends partially over the Child's body, barely covering him and creating a visual transition of great intimacy.
Of great historical interest is the ancient label applied at the top left with the inscription "Hauskammerei-Inventar, Seite 1712, O.-No. 373." Similar labels are documented on works and furnishings from the collections of the Grand Ducal House of Baden, one of the oldest and most noble German families. The label thus suggests provenance from a prestigious princely collection in the German-speaking area. A second inventory number, "700," is also present at the bottom center, referring to its cataloguing.

The painting is housed in a large wooden frame, internally decorated with a gilded frieze, from a later period but of considerable visual impact. It shows some signs of wear and ancient wormholes (see photo).
This work is of particular collector's interest, combining Van Dyck's evocative power with a possible dynastic provenance from Central Europe. Its large size, the gentleness of the subject, and the sweeping landscape make it a painting suited to a collection of old masters as well as to salons, professional studios, libraries, and reception rooms, whether classical or contemporary.

The painting has already been restored, with the stretcher replaced and small areas of color retouched, but is in overall good condition. Internal dimensions: H 76 cm, W 94.5 cm. See less