Description
The painting "The Flight into Egypt" by the artist Bartolomé Carducho is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art. The work, which measures 127 x 105 cm, represents the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, after an angel warned them of the danger they were running due to King Herod's order to kill all children under the age of two in Bethlehem. .
The artistic style of the work is typical of the Baroque period, with great attention to detail and dramatic use of chiaroscuro. The composition of the work is also very interesting, with the Holy Family in the center of the painting, surrounded by a mountainous landscape that protects them from the pursuers. The paint color is very vibrant, with warm, earthy tones that reflect the harshness of the journey and the divine protection that accompanies it.
The history of the painting is also very interesting, as it was commissioned by King Philip III of Spain in the 17th century to decorate the main altarpiece of the church of San Felipe el Real in Madrid. The work was considered one of the best religious paintings of the time and was greatly admired by the artist's contemporaries.
Also, there are some little-known aspects about the painting that make it even more interesting. For example, it is said that the artist included some autobiographical details in the work, such as his own portrait in the figure of the persecutor that appears in the lower right part of the painting. It has also been speculated that the image of the angel that guides the Holy Family could be a representation of the artist's wife, who died shortly after the work was completed.
In short, "The Flight into Egypt" is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art, noted for its artistic style, composition, color, and rich history. A painting that continues to fascinate viewers, centuries after its creation.