The flight into Egypt crossing a brook

Rembrandt van Rijn etched this intimate scene of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, showing Mary on a donkey with the infant Jesus while Joseph leads them across a shallow brook. The landscape surrounds them with dense foliage and trees, the figures small within a natural setting that feels distinctly Dutch rather than biblical.

Rembrandt produced many prints on this subject, varying the composition and mood. His etchings were highly prized by collectors during his lifetime and remain sought after today. The artist's virtuosity with line creates notable tonal gradations from black to white. This impression belongs to the Art Institute of Chicago.