The Rest on the Flight into Egypt
Relief
1690-1700 (made)
1690-1700 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Throughout the ages artists and craftsmen have made virtuoso carvings as a display of their skill and ingenuity. Although ivory, wood and stone are relatively easy to carve, other materials such as gemstones are much more demanding. Most of these carvings were made for wealthy patrons and collectors, who delighted in the rarity of the material and quality of the carving. This relief uses two precious materials: amber from the Baltic region and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. It may have formed part of an altarpiece.
The subject of the scene is the miracle of the palm, which bent down to give its fruit to the Holy Family on their rest on the flight into Egypt. Angels then carried a branch up to Heaven to be planted there.
The subject of the scene is the miracle of the palm, which bent down to give its fruit to the Holy Family on their rest on the flight into Egypt. Angels then carried a branch up to Heaven to be planted there.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Amber on lapis lazuli with slate backing and gilt surround |
Brief description | Relief, amber on lapis lazuli with slate backing and gilt surround, depicting the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, probably made in Italy, 1690-1700 |
Physical description | St. Joseph is behind the Virgin, his right forearm extended. The Virgin, who appears to be partly supported by St. Joseph, holds the Infant Christ with her right hand, and gently supports the infant St. John with her left hand. There is an angel and a tree to the left of the central group, two angels and a tree to the right, whilst above are four cherubs and a cloud. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | Throughout the ages artists and craftsmen have made virtuoso carvings as a display of their skill and ingenuity. Although ivory, wood and stone are relatively easy to carve, other materials such as gemstones are much more demanding. Most of these carvings were made for wealthy patrons and collectors, who delighted in the rarity of the material and quality of the carving. This relief uses two precious materials: amber from the Baltic region and lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. It may have formed part of an altarpiece. The subject of the scene is the miracle of the palm, which bent down to give its fruit to the Holy Family on their rest on the flight into Egypt. Angels then carried a branch up to Heaven to be planted there. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.12-1950 |
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Record created | January 13, 2004 |
Record URL |
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