Rest on the Flight into Egypt

c. 1640

Charles Poërson

(French, 1609–1667)

Culture

France, 17th century

Medium

oil on wood

Measurements

Framed: 57.5 x 67.5 x 6.5 cm (22 5/8 x 26 9/16 x 2 9/16 in.); Unframed: 35.5 x 45.9 cm (14 x 18 1/16 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1973.32

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Location

Not on view

Description

Formerly ascribed to the French painter Simon Vouet (1590-1649), Rest on the Flight into Egypt has only recently been attributed to Poerson, a collaborator and follower of Vouet. Intended to be a small devotional picture, this painting on oak panel depicts a quiet scene of the Holy Family resting; the Virgin Mary sits while an angel brings the plump young Christ Child fruit, and St. Joseph leads their donkey away to graze. The delicate pinks and blues and the transparent treatment of light and shadow create a gentle domestic atmosphere, characteristic of Vouet's Italian-influenced work.