The Flight into Egypt, with Bird, Dog, and Goat - Adriaen Collaert

A detailed Flemish engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicting the Flight into Egypt, framed by an ornamental border of animals and floral motifs.

This engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicts the biblical narrative of the Flight into Egypt. The central scene shows the Holy Family travelling through a rural setting, with Joseph leading the donkey carrying Mary and the infant Jesus. The composition follows the conventions of late sixteenth-century Flemish printmaking, where the primary subject is integrated into a detailed, expansive view of the countryside. A windmill sits on a distant hill, while the foreground features rocky terrain and dense foliage.

The work is notable for its decorative border, which serves as a frame for the central narrative. This border contains various animals, including a dog, a goat, and several birds, interspersed with floral motifs. Such ornamental framing was a common feature in the output of the Collaert family workshop in Antwerp, which produced numerous prints for both religious and secular markets. The fine line work demonstrates the technical precision characteristic of the period, with cross-hatching used to create depth and shadow across the rolling hills and wooded areas.

Adriaen Collaert was a member of a prominent family of engravers and publishers in Antwerp. His work often reflects the influence of contemporary painters, and he frequently collaborated with other artists to produce series of prints. This specific engraving exemplifies the meticulous approach to detail found in Northern Mannerist graphic arts, where the artist balances the narrative focus with a fascination for naturalistic observation within the decorative framework. The print remains a clear example of the high standards of craftsmanship maintained by the Antwerp print trade during the late Renaissance.