20. Flight into Egypt
Giotto di Bondone – 20. Flight into Egypt
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Painter: Giotto di Bondone
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The artist Giotto’s work recounts an event that refers to the infancy of Jesus Christ. An angel appeared outside to his father Joseph and informed him of God’s will, about the flight of the holy family to Egypt. At that time, Herod, the wicked and cunning king, ruled. He knew that the King of the world had been born and he decided to kill him, but he did not know exactly who this child was and how to get him.
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Description of Giotto di Bondone’s painting Escape to Egypt
The artist Giotto’s work recounts an event that refers to the infancy of Jesus Christ. An angel appeared outside to his father Joseph and informed him of God’s will, about the flight of the holy family to Egypt.
At that time, Herod, the wicked and cunning king, ruled. He knew that the King of the world had been born and he decided to kill him, but he did not know exactly who this child was and how to get him. Herod, fearing for his power, ordered the extermination of all babies under two years old. This story has great significance for the church.
The painting is called "Flight," but it looks less like flight than anything else, in the sense of movement, we see an important procession marching importantly, leisurely through the wilderness. The procession walks in an important, unhurried way, one can see that the King of Peace is marching. Giotto has very importantly described not only the people, but also the animals. The picture is compositional and evocative of a deity.
The base of the pyramid is the donkey, and the top is Our Lady and Jesus Christ. The donkey shows the humility with which Jesus Christ came into the world. He did not come as the Great Master, but as a defenseless infant who is forced to flee from death, seeking refuge in a faraway land, marching on the humblest animal.
The Virgin and the child ride on a donkey led by Joseph - these are the main characters of the painting. It is one of the main biblical subjects. Giotto depicted in his painting three young men, the adolescents and one woman. The young men are Joseph’s children from his first marriage, and the woman is a maid who helps the Virgin Mary on her journey.
A palm tree can be seen in the distance. The palm tree is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The Church considers the palm to be a symbol of Jesus Christ’s victory over death.
Several trees can be seen in the distance, acting as messengers of victory, accompanying the holy family on their journey. Angels also patronize them on their journey, in this drawing one angel can be seen accompanying the Virgin Mary with the baby, opening to them the way to salvation. It is as if the angel sanctifies the road and accompanies them forward to life.
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The artist has employed a flattened perspective, typical of the period, which minimizes depth and emphasizes the symbolic nature of the event. The landscape itself is rendered with simplified forms; the mountain appears as a monolithic presence, while trees are depicted as stylized shapes against the intensely blue sky. This deliberate reduction in naturalistic detail serves to direct attention towards the human figures and their emotional significance.
The use of gold halos around the heads of several individuals immediately establishes them as possessing spiritual importance. The infant held by the woman is also enveloped within a golden aura, reinforcing his divine status. The older man’s beard and staff further suggest a role of authority or guidance.
A winged figure appears in the upper right corner, hovering above the scene. Its presence introduces an element of heavenly intervention and underscores the sacred nature of the journey. The angels placement also creates a visual link between the earthly realm of the figures below and the divine sphere.
The clothing choices are significant; the woman’s draped garments convey modesty and grace, while the younger man’s red robes suggest vitality and perhaps even royalty. The donkey itself, though humble in appearance, serves as a crucial element in the narrative, symbolizing both poverty and unexpected grace.
Subtly, there is an underlying sense of vulnerability and displacement conveyed by the figures posture and expressions. Their forward movement suggests flight or escape, hinting at hardship and uncertainty. The barren landscape reinforces this feeling of precariousness, suggesting a journey into an unknown future. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity amidst adversity, emphasizing themes of faith, protection, and divine providence.