Claude
Lorrain (aka Claude Gellée; Claude Le Lorrain; Claudio di Lorena) (1600–1682)
“The
Flight into Egypt” (also known as “Vlucht naar Egypte” and “La fuite en
Egypte”), 1630–33, printed from the original plate by McCreery in his 1816
edition of “200 Etchings”.
Technical
Details & Condition:
Etching
on fine cream wove paper, trimmed along and slightly within the plate mark. The
sheet has been professionally conserved with a washi paper support sheet.
The
impression is richly inked, crisp, and well-printed. The sheet is in excellent
condition with no significant stains; however, when held to the light, faint
traces of mounting on the verso may be visible in the upper corners.
This
piece is among Lorrain’s earlier prints, displaying the “right” mixture of a
novice artist’s stylistic exploration and a struggle to communicate the essence
of the biblical scene—focused on the Holy Family’s escape (assisted by angels)
from King Herod’s edict to kill all newly born male children.
In
my view, Lorrain’s attempt to find a cohesive expressive voice is evident in
the treatment of the landscape. For example, the mimetic rendering of the
treetops in the upper right shows a different mindset compared to the
horizontal strokes depicting the sky and the cleaved rocks in the foreground.
Notice how he transitions from the cool, formulaic treatment of the rocks to a
more sensuous, cross-hatched depiction of the broken ground on the left. Even
in the sky, stylistic shifts are apparent—especially in the flurry of burnished
adjustments mid-space.
Regarding
the biblical narrative, the Holy Family appears somewhat “lost” in shadows
rather than being the visual focal point. While this may be viewed as a
shortfall, personally, it allows the composition to read as a cohesive
landscape, shimmering with light and atmosphere.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 10.5 x 17.5
cm
• Image borderline: 10.3 x 17 cm
In-Plate Lettering:
• lower right “CLAU”
References:
• Blum 2; Mannocci 9;
Robert-Dumesnil 1; IFF 2
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200130480
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_M-12-8
Please note that I
previously listed a different impression of this etching (now sold): https://www.printsandprinciples.com/2019/04/claude-lorrains-etching-flight-into.html
Price & Shipping:
AU$384 (approx. US$273.89 /
€235.91 / £203.97), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and
taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.
To acquire this
exceptionally rare etching by one of the most renowned early landscape artists,
please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com.
I’m happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected
transaction.
