The Flight Into Egypt, Italian School, Circa 1660

The Flight into Egypt, Italian School, circa 1660
Oil on canvas
H. 87 cm × W. 58 cm
Old restorations
Presented in a giltwood frame : 103 x 76 cm

In this refined interpretation of the Flight into Egypt, the Holy Family is accompanied by an angel holding a hoopoe (Upupa epops)—a rare and highly symbolic detail. A migratory bird native to the Mediterranean basin, the hoopoe evokes both exile and wisdom, while also suggesting continuity between the Old and New Testaments. A legendary companion of King Solomon, it here underscores the royal nature of the Christ child, recognized by the Magi as the “King of the Jews.” Notably, the same bird was later declared the national symbol of Israel in 2008.
The rich palette, dominated by the three primary colors, highlights the central figures—particularly the deep blue of the Virgin’s mantle, a sacred hue derived from lapis lazuli and traditionally used since the 12th century to signify holiness.