The Flight into Egypt

This engraving shows the Holy Family fleeing from King Herod’s soldiers. Rubens based his composition on a painting by Adam Elsheimer. But he depicted the scene in a tighter cropping, making the family, accompanied by angels, the focus of attention. While the infant Jesus sleeps peacefully, Mary and Joseph look back in fright at their pursuers. Despite their fear, the couple muster up the courage and determination to protect their child.