Flight into Egypt

Artist Luca Giordano (Italian, 1634-1705)

Datelate 1690s

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsImage: 60 x 86 1/4 in. (152.4 x 219.1 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936

Object numberSN157

The Neapolitan painter Luca Giordano executed this work in Madrid while in the employ of the Hapsburg King Charles II of Spain, who appointed him court painter in 1694. The tender expression of the Madonna's face and the softened, earthy palette suggest the influence of Murillo. According to the Gospel of Matthew, an angel urged the Holy Family to flee Jerusalem, as King Herod was plotting a massacre with the aim of killing the Christ child. The central action of the painting takes place almost entirely in the foreground, psychologically engaging the viewer.

On View

On view

Location