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Description: | Angels hovering overhead or bringing food on dishes are a common feature of the subject of the rest (or repose) on the flight to Egypt, where Joseph took Jesus and his mother to escape King Herod. Fruit, birds and drinking vessels are symbolic objects that appear in pictures of the Virgin and Child. In this painting, these objects are represented more as components of a still life, which was common in painting in northern Europe in the first part of the seventeenth century. The Virgin in a red dress and blue mantle sits under an apple tree. Two apples lie on the ground near her feet. The Child in the Virgin's lap stretches his right hand towards a winged cherub who is carrying a basket of cherries. In association with the Christ child, the apple alluded to Christ as the future redeemer of mankind from original sin. The cherry, called the 'Fruit of Paradise', was given as a reward for virtuousness. At the Virgin's feet is a naked boy and above her head is another cherub who holds a crown, presumably referring to the Virgin's identity as Queen of Heaven. The bird seen on a branch of the tree is probably a goldfinch and was an emblem of Christ's Passion. The rose on the ground to the right and the irises in a pot are both flowers that are traditionally associated with the Virgin. The iris often replaced the lily as an emblem of the Virgin in early Netherlandish painting. To the left in the middle distance a male figure with a staff, presumably Joseph, can be seen leading a donkey to drink at a nearby pond. A house is visible on a hillside in the distance. | Subjects: | religion (Rest on the Flight to Egypt Virgin and Child); landscape; figure | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Brueghel, Jan, the elder (Flemish painter, draftsman, 1568-1625) Æ Attributed to circle of Previously attributed to imitator of Brueghel, Jan, the elder (Flemish painter, draftsman, 1568-1625) Previously attributed to Brueghel, Jan, the younger (Flemish painter and draftsman, 1601-1678) Previously attributed to Mirou, Anton (Flemish painter, before 1586-after 1661, active in Germany) Previously attributed to Snellinck, Andries (Flemish painter, 1587-1653) Previously attributed to Stalbemt, Adriaen van (Flemish painter, 1580-1662) | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=8528... | Go to resource |
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