Rest on the Flight into Egypt - Arthur Pond

A 1752 etching by Arthur Pond after Rembrandt's 1647 painting, depicting the Holy Family resting by a campfire in a dark, atmospheric landscape.

This print is an etching and engraving by the British artist Arthur Pond, published in 1752. It reproduces the composition of Rembrandt van Rijn's 1647 painting, 'Rest on the Flight into Egypt'. Pond was a significant figure in the 18th-century British art market, known for his work as a printmaker, dealer, and painter. He frequently produced reproductions of Old Master paintings held in private British collections, such as this example from the collection of Henry Hoare.

The scene depicts the Holy Family during their journey to Egypt. The figures are gathered around a small, glowing campfire at the edge of a dark, atmospheric body of water. The light from the fire provides the primary illumination, casting long shadows and creating a sense of intimacy against the expansive, darkened surroundings. In the background, a ruined structure sits atop a craggy hill, adding a sense of age and isolation to the composition. The print captures the dramatic chiaroscuro for which Rembrandt was known, translating the painterly qualities of the original oil work into the precise, linear language of the etching needle and burin.

Pond's work reflects the 18th-century interest in collecting and disseminating European art through high-quality print reproductions. By documenting works held in private hands, such as those of the Hoare family at Stourhead, printmakers like Pond allowed a wider audience to engage with the aesthetic qualities of Dutch Golden Age painting. The technical execution demonstrates the skill required to replicate the subtle tonal shifts of the original, particularly in the rendering of the firelight and the deep, murky depths of the night sky. This print serves as a record of the original painting's appearance and its reception within the British art world during the mid-18th century.