The artwork in question, titled “A Sketch for a Flight into Egypt,” was created by the iconic artist Rembrandt in the year 1632. It is a work from the Baroque period and measures a small 8 x 5 cm, categorizing it as a sketch and study rather than a full-scale painting or print.
The artwork depicts a lone figure, who appears to be journeying, as suggested by the staff in the figure’s left hand and the forward stride of the right leg. The figure is clothed in a flowing garment, which suggests motion, perhaps due to the wind or the act of walking. The attire has a classical feel, likely alluding to the biblical times associated with the Flight into Egypt theme. Despite the small size of the sketch, Rembrandt has managed to imbue the piece with a sense of depth and a dynamic feel, by employing deft, expressive lines and creating contrast between the shaded and lighted areas. Shadows cast onto the figure give it volume and substance, while the loosely sketched background suggests a landscape without detracting from the figure’s centrality in the composition. The artwork overall is a testament to Rembrandt’s skill in capturing a narrative and emotion in even the simplest of studies.