Rest on the flight into Egypt.

Jan Miel (1599 –1663) was a Flemish painter and engraver who was active in Italy. He initially formed part of the circle of Dutch and Flemish genre painters in Rome who are referred to as the 'Bamboccianti' (represented in Te Papa by the Both brothers), known for their scenes depicting the lower classes in Rome. He later developed away from the Bamboccianti style and painted history subjects in a classicising style. This charming etching corresponds to the latter and is markedly symmeterical in structure. It shows little appetite for the robust coarseness of behaviour celebrated by the Bamboccianti. Instead, we witness the sweet kiss of John the Baptist, Jesus's seemingly eager acceptance of it and the grave yet solicitous Virgin Mary.

Although this print does not bear the artist's name, it was probably made by Jan Miel for stylistic reasons. While predominantly a painter, he made a number of notable prints in his career and this is certainly one of the greatest.

See:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Miel

Dr Mark Stocker   Curator, Historical International Art    July 2017