CLAUDE LORRAIN
(b. 1604, Chamagne, d. 1682, Roma)

The Flight into Egypt

c. 1635
Oil on canvas, 71 x 98 cm
Museum of Art, Indianapolis

This canvas, an early work by Claude, represents Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child going into Egypt to escape Herod's persecution in Bethlehem. The peacefulness of the pastoral setting provides a sharp contrast to the violent massacre in the city they have fled.