Filippo Lauri (Rome 1623-Rome 1694)
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt c.1644-94
Oil on canvas | 24.4 x 31.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 402731
-
The picture is considerably worn, darkened, and possibly retouched, but the subject seems to be the Rest on the Flight to Egypt. The Virgin is seated at the left, holding the Child, to whom a genuflecting child angel offers fruit. To the right the ass and St Joseph are visible. The strict source is Matthew 2.14-14, but the apocryphal Infancy Gospels have various incidents on the Flight, including angels bringing food to the Child. The subject was treated several times by Lauri, in different compositions, and this appears to be a typical autograph work.
Provenance
Probably acquired by Queen Caroline and the Holy Family by ‘Laura’ recorded on 5 April 1729 among her pictures at Kensington Palace; recorded in the Queen's Dressing Room at Kensington Palace in 1732
-
Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
24.4 x 31.2 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
28.6 x 35.6 x 5.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
