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The Donkey Led to the River, c. 1652-1654. Creator: Herman van Swanevelt (Dutch, c
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The Donkey Led to the River, c. 1652-1654. Creator: Herman van Swanevelt (Dutch, c
The Donkey Led to the River, c. 1652-1654. This series by Herman Swanevelt, The Flight into Egypt, illustrates an event from the New Testament of the Bible. Joseph, Mary, and Christ fled into Egypt to escape King Herods persecution. Traditionally represented as a single image, Swanevelt enlarged the story into four scenes. The Holy family is first shown traveling with three angels behind them, then Joseph helps Mary off the donkey, next Joseph leads the donkey to water as Mary changes the child, and finally the family is at rest. However, the main focus of each of these prints is the depiction of landscape, a genre that reached unprecedented levels of popularity during the 1600s. The scenery, looking much more like the Italian countryside than Egypt, was inspired by Swanevelts paintings. Although he was Dutch, he spent most of his career in Paris and Rome. As a painter, he was known for his ability to convey warm, glowing sunlight, a quality also found in his etchings
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Media ID 19627907
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Etching And Engraving Herman Van Swanevelt Herman Van Swanevelt Dutch
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The Donkey Led to the River, c. 1652-1654
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is a captivating print by Herman van Swanevelt that forms part of his series, The Flight into Egypt. This collection beautifully illustrates an event from the New Testament where Joseph, Mary, and Christ sought refuge in Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution. Unlike traditional representations of this story as a single image, Swanevelt skillfully expands it into four scenes. The central theme of these prints lies in their breathtaking depiction of landscapes, which had gained immense popularity during the 17th century. Swanevelt's mastery shines through as he portrays stunning scenery reminiscent of the Italian countryside rather than Egypt itself. This influence can be attributed to his extensive time spent painting in Paris and Rome despite being Dutch by origin. Each scene captures a different moment within the journey: first showing the Holy family accompanied by three angels; then Joseph assisting Mary off the donkey; followed by Joseph leading the donkey towards water while Mary attends to their child; and finally depicting them at rest. Throughout all four prints, Swanevelt expertly conveys warm sunlight that bathes each landscape with a radiant glow - a signature quality found not only in his paintings but also evident in these etchings. This particular print offers viewers an opportunity to appreciate both religious narrative and artistic brilliance simultaneously. It serves as a testament to Swanevelt's talent for merging biblical storytelling with awe-inspiring landscapes that transport us beyond time and place.
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