Description
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's painting "Flight into Egypt" is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque featuring fascinating composition and impressive use of color. The work, which measures 155.5 x 125 cm, represents the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt to escape the persecution of King Herod.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, since Murillo uses a diagonalization technique to create an effect of depth and movement in the work. The Holy Family, which is at the center of the painting, is framed by a series of trees and rocks that create a sense of depth in the work. In addition, the position of the characters in the painting, with the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus in the foreground and Saint Joseph in the background, creates an effect of movement and dynamism in the work.
The use of color in the painting is also impressive. Murillo uses a palette of soft and warm colors, such as pink, yellow and gold, to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the work. Furthermore, the contrast between the soft colors of the Sagrada Família and the dark, gloomy tones of the surrounding landscape creates a dramatic and exciting effect in the work.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. The work was commissioned by the Seville Brotherhood of Charity in 1665 and became one of Murillo's most famous works. However, in 1810, during the Spanish War of Independence, the painting was looted by French troops and taken to France. Finally, in 1813, the work was returned to Spain and is currently in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
In short, the painting "Flight into Egypt" by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque featuring a fascinating composition, impressive use of color, and an interesting story. This work remains one of Murillo's most famous and admired works and is a perfect example of his skill as an artist.