Miracle and contemplation in Bruegel's 'Landscape with the Flight into Egypt'

Although depicting a visually epic landscape, the painting itself is tiny, measuring just 37 by 55cm.

This painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (around 1525-1569) offers us an expansive view of a river landscape, overlooked by mountains and craggy cliffs.

In the foreground we see the Holy Family, as Joseph leads the group on its precarious journey to escape the clutches of King Herod, escaping from Judea into Egypt.

The infant Jesus is sheltered in Mary's red cloak, as they sit on a donkey.

The Holy Family is traversing a high pass in the mountains, and now seems to be about to start its journey down.

On the left we see a group of heavily laden travellers crossing a dangerously narrow bridge.

Their precarity serves to remind the viewer of the extreme difficulty of the Holy Family's journey.

The dramatic peaks that punctuate the landscape also emphasise the arduous journey ahead.

On the bottom right, two birds perch undisturbed on a pollarded tree.

Right next to them, a statue can be seen tumbling from a shrine.

The tradition held that false, pagan idols toppled as the true Saviour, the infant Christ passed by.

In the distance we can make out a large village, marked by churches, houses and spires.

Several islands are dotted around the river landscape.

Further afield we see an inhospitable island, in which the view stretches to the horizon.

This craggy landscape seems to recall the Alps, where Bruegel passed through on his way to Italy in 1552, around 10 years before this painting was made.

Its fine details allows the viewer to reflect on the beauty and diversity of creation and our place within it.