Rest on the Flight into Egypt
- Artist: Francesco de Mura (Artists)
- Date: 1725 - 1735
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Rest on the Flight into Egypt" by Francesco de Mura. Painted between 1725 and 1735, the work is an oil on canvas that showcases the artist’s gentle handling of light and color typical of the early eighteenth‑century Neapolitan school. The scene depicts the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—finding brief respite as they journey toward safety. Mura renders the landscape with soft, rolling hills and a tranquil sky, creating a sense of calm and reverence. The figures are arranged with careful balance: Mary’s profile faces forward, her gaze offering a quiet devotion, while Joseph’s protective stance underscores the family's unity. The infant Jesus, lying peacefully, draws the viewer’s eye to the tender interaction among them. De Mura’s palette leans toward warm earth tones, punctuated by subtle blues and greens that suggest both hope and melancholy. The composition’s harmony reflects the painter’s skill in blending narrative and emotion, making the work a gentle reminder of faith’s enduring presence during turbulent times.
See it in person
Rest on the Flight into Egypt hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
