Flight Into Egypt - Altarpiece Element - 16th Century

Superb altarpiece element representing the flight into Egypt, beautiful remains of polychromy, very beautiful deep drapes. Rare representation of beardless Joseph, superb ensemble. 16th century . Dimensions: 37 x 33 cm Extract from the Gospel of Matthew (2, 13-23), the episode of the escape of the Holy Family after being warned by the Magi of Herod's murderous intention is widely known diffusion in the arts in the 15th century. Integrated into complete cycles of the Life of Christ, the scene of the Flight into Egypt is well represented in French and Flemish painting, both in altarpieces and in illumination: we find the Virgin there dressed in a large blue cloak, sitting on the donkey with one front leg raised, and tenderly holding the child, an infant swaddled in her swaddling clothes. Examples sculpted in polychrome wood are much rarer, and few have survived to this day. These elements, mostly belonging to altarpieces, come from Dutch workshops.