Lotto, Lorenzo – Rest of St Family with St. Justina on the way to Egypt Hermitage ~ part 07

The composition presents a small group gathered around a low stone bench within a landscape setting. A woman in blue robes occupies the left side of the scene, her gaze directed downwards towards a sleeping infant laid upon the bench. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation and tenderness. To her right sits an older man with a long white beard, clad in red robes trimmed with yellow. He extends his hand toward a young girl standing beside him, who clasps her hands in prayer. The arrangement suggests a familial bond, underscored by the protective posture of the male figure.
The landscape serves as a backdrop, receding into a hazy distance where a body of water and distant hills are visible through foliage. This framing creates a sense of enclosure while simultaneously hinting at a journey or displacement – an implication reinforced by the figures’ attire and their apparent vulnerability within this natural setting. The dense vegetation partially obscures them, contributing to a feeling of refuge or concealment.
The artists meticulous rendering of textures is notable: the softness of the infant’s skin contrasts with the rough stone of the bench and the flowing fabric of the garments. Light plays across the figures, illuminating their faces and highlighting the folds in their clothing, adding depth and realism to the scene. The color palette is dominated by blues, reds, and yellows, creating a harmonious visual effect while also conveying a sense of solemnity and piety.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a narrative beyond the immediate depiction. The woman’s downward gaze might indicate sorrow or reflection on past events. The mans gesture towards the girl could be interpreted as an offering of comfort or guidance during times of hardship. The landscape, with its distant view, implies a future destination or a longing for a place of safety and stability. Overall, the work conveys themes of faith, family, protection, and perhaps exile or flight, all rendered within a carefully constructed visual framework that emphasizes both intimacy and vulnerability.