The Flight into Egypt

Martin Schongauer was one of the most prolific early engravers from the Rhine Valley. He signed all his prints with his initials, making him the first printmaker whose authorship was absolutely clear. While a handful of the artist’s paintings survive, Schongauer’s engravings inspired generations of artists, including Albrecht Dürer. This iconic image shows the Holy Family resting while fleeing the Massacre of the Innocents and their home in Israel for Egypt. The work reflects some traditional accounts of the story, in which angels lowered date palms for easy harvesting, so Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child would not starve.