Description
Rembrandt's painting An Angel Telling Joseph in a Dream to Flee to Egypt is a 17th-century Dutch Baroque masterpiece. This piece is a dramatic and emotional representation of a biblical episode that narrates the dream of Joseph, husband of Mary, in which an angel warns him to flee to Egypt with his family to escape the wrath of King Herod.
Rembrandt's artistic style is characterized by emotional intensity and expressiveness. In this painting, the artist uses a loose and vigorous brushwork technique to create an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The figure of the angel, with his wings spread and his face illuminated, is the focus of attention in the composition, while Joseph appears in the background, with a look of astonishment and concern on his face.
The use of color is another outstanding aspect of this work. Rembrandt uses a palette of warm, earthy tones, which bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the scene. The angel, in contrast, is dressed in a brilliant white gown, symbolizing her divinity and purity.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. It is believed to have been painted in 1634, when Rembrandt was just 28 years old, and commissioned by a wealthy Amsterdam merchant. The work has passed through various hands over the centuries and has been the subject of numerous restorations and studies. It is currently in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
A little known aspect of this painting is its symbolism. The angel, in addition to being a divine messenger, also represents protection and guidance, while Joseph symbolizes obedience and trust in God. The flight to Egypt, for its part, is a metaphor for the fight against adversity and evil.
All in all, An Angel Telling Joseph in a Dream to Flee to Egypt is a Rembrandt masterpiece that combines technical skill, emotionality and symbolism to create a work of art that continues to fascinate viewers centuries after.