18th Century Continental School Oil Painting ‘The Flight To Egypt’ After The Old Masters

An 18th century Continental school oil painting titled ‘The Flight To Egypt’.

A wonderful example of an Old Masters style oil on canvas by an unknown artist. The piece depicts a Christian scene of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus fleeing Egypt to escape King Herod.

Unlike other interpretations of the scene by Adam Elsheimer (18 March 1578 – 11 December 1610) Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (December 1617 – 3 April 1682) and Carlo Maratta or Maratti (18 May 1625 – 15 December 1713) Angels are depicted who were said to have visited Joseph to warn of the impending danger. In the background the walls of the city they are leaving can be seen whereas most other versions in this style are later in the perilous journey.

The painting itself has naturally worn away, leaving a highly stylised, stable flaking finish. With a simple frame over a stretcher, it has the distinct aura of an ancient relic.

Our display easel is not included, but it is the perfect way to display a frameless canvas, as if left in place by the artist.