This is the flight into Egypt to save their son from Herod. The Holy Family have just left the boat that carried them across the Nile. Mary is tried. The angel prostrates himself before them. He is kissing the ground because if Mary and Jesus tread on it, it is holy ground. The donkey that will carry Mary and Jesus awaits behind them. Joseph, the foster father and a quiet figure in the Bible, is also just behind them, in their background.

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770) was an Italian painter, one of the masters of his day. He was very prolific, painting Rococo-styled paintings of a religious or mythical nature. This picture was painted towards the end of his life. According to the Met Museum, who hold this piece, this picture was visually daring at the time because of "its use of empty space and plunging diagonal composition." We think that is why it strikes us as fresh and intriguing, because that inspired and unusual artistry remains with it. Circa 1767-70. Oil on canvas. 23 5/8 × 16 1/4 in.

** IMPORTANT ** THE IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER! There is a white border of about 0.5" inch for 5x7", 1.3" for 8.5x11", or 1.6" for 11x14" pictures. All Approx! Fine art printers do this because the images are almost never the same rectangular ratio of the standard paper sizes. It also gives the prints a finished look, and lets them look good in a frame without a matt.

- Acid-free paper
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

Thanks for your interest!

Thanks!
Sue & John

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - CatholicArtAndJewelry.