Rest on the Flight into Egypt

Art Historical Context

Anton Raphael Mengs' *Rest on the Flight into*, a preparatory drawing from mid- to late 18th century captures a tender moment from the biblical narrative where the Holy Family pauses during their escape from King Herod. Depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the infant Jesus, by Joseph and possibly saints or angels, the work embodies the devotional themes central to Christian art. Mengs, a leading figure in the Neoclassical movement, drew inspiration from Renaissance masters like Raphael, blending idealism with emotional depth to evoke serenity and divine protection. Executed in red chalk heightened with graphite and squared for transfer—likely to a larger painting—this sheet (16 5/16 x 12 11/16 in.) showcases Mengs' mastery of preparatory techniques. Red chalk's warm tones lend a soft, lifelike quality to the figures' drapery and expressions, while the graphite squaring grid reveals the artist's meticulous planning process, a hallmark of 18th-century academic practice. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2008 through the generosity of Alain and Marie-Christine van den Broek d'Obrenan, this drawing highlights Mengs' influence across European courts in Dresden, Madrid, and Rome. It offers visitors a glimpse into the creative genesis of grand altarpieces, bridging intimate sketchwork with monumental religious art.

About the Artist

Anton Raphael Mengs · 1728–1779

Comment on works: Portraits; Religious