Artwork Page for The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)

Details / Information for The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)

c. 1879–80

Luc-Olivier Merson

(French, 1846–1920)
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Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
gray and graphite wash, with scraping and traces of black chalk
Measurements
Sheet: 14.5 x 25.5 cm (5 11/16 x 10 1/16 in.); Secondary Support: 27.9 x 39 cm (11 x 15 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1997.178
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

It is possible that this drawing served as a model for a print, but the best-known printed reproduction of the painting differs from the sheet in several minor details.

Description

This drawing relates to Luc-Olivier Merson's Rest on the Flight into Egypt, among the most popular paintings exhibited at the 1879 Paris Salon. This dreamlike, highly unusual image from the familiar bible story shows Mary and Christ resting peacefully in the arms of a Sphinx, while Joseph sleeps near their dwindling fire. In the wake of its extraordinary success, Merson made several painted replicas of the work. Here, the composition is identical, but reversed, suggesting that it may have been an alternative version of the canvas.
A horizontally oriented drawing in graphite and gray wash depicts two views. On our left, a large stone sphinx sits atop a pedestal against a dark, stippled sky. One figure cradles a child between the paws, while another lies prone on the ground near a standing donkey. On our right, the reverse side is mostly blank, featuring a faint, gestural sketch near the top and markings in the center.

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)

c. 1879–80

Luc-Olivier Merson

(French, 1846–1920)
France, 19th century

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