Adriaen van der Werff – The Flight into Egypt Mauritshuis

The composition presents a group of figures within a landscape setting, bathed in soft, diffused light. A woman, draped in a deep blue robe and white undergarment, stands on a rocky outcrop, cradling an infant in her arms. Her gaze is directed downwards towards the child, suggesting tenderness and maternal concern. Beside her, a man, clad in a russet-colored cloak, sits with his legs crossed, leaning slightly forward as if offering support or reassurance to the woman. He appears older, indicated by his receding hairline and weathered features.
A donkey stands nearby, partially obscured by foliage, hinting at travel and displacement. Behind them, a classical architectural structure – two columns framing an archway – looms against a backdrop of dense trees and distant hills. The architecture suggests a sense of civilization or refuge, yet its dilapidated state implies abandonment or transition.
The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, ochres – which contribute to the overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation and perhaps even melancholy. The lighting is carefully orchestrated; it highlights the figures’ faces and garments while leaving much of the surrounding landscape in shadow. This creates a sense of depth and draws attention to the central narrative.
The positioning of the figures on the rocky terrain, with their bare feet exposed, conveys vulnerability and hardship. The womans posture suggests weariness but also resilience. The man’s gesture – his hand extended towards her – implies protection and shared burden. The inclusion of the classical ruins introduces a layer of symbolic complexity; they could represent the fragility of human constructs in the face of divine intervention or the passage of time.
Subtly, there is an emphasis on domesticity within this scene of flight. The woman’s focus on the infant suggests that even amidst upheaval and uncertainty, the fundamental roles of motherhood and family endure. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and perseverance in the face of adversity, hinting at a narrative of exile or pilgrimage.