The artwork “Rest on the Flight” by Albrecht Dürer, dated to 1511, is an example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is characterized as a sketch and study and is currently located at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in Berlin, Germany. This piece showcases Dürer’s mastery of drawing and ability to depict religious narratives with a high level of detail and expression.
In this representation, the sketch portrays a tranquil scene with the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt, a common subject in Christian art, suggesting a moment of quiet repose on their journey. The Virgin Mary is seen seated, holding the Christ Child in her lap. To the right, Joseph stands with his back to the viewer, appearing to be engaged in some activity, possibly gathering food or attending to the family’s needs. A dramatic, leafy tree frames the scene on the left, with its foliage creating a sense of movement in the otherwise serene image. The background indicates a landscape with hints of a distant city, contributing to the depth of the composition. There is a delicate balance between the detailed figures in the foreground and the more loosely suggested shapes in the distance, which is typical of studies that explores both form and spatial relationships.
