Integrated in the visit to MMIPO
From the artist Simão Rodrigues (c. 1560 a 1628), the Mannerist painting "Rest on the Flight into Egypt", belonging to the collection of the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, is an oil on oak wood that represents the moment of resting of the Sacred Family, during the journey to Egypt.
On the axis of the composition is represented a leafy tree, in the shade of which the Virgin is seated with the Child in Her lap and, on the right, three women and a child. Of dark complexion, these women offer to the Child a tray with varied fruits. Some of these fruits are, iconographically, connoted with the Passion of Christ. In the background, on the left, St. Joseph appears putting a harness in a donkey. Also in the background, a complementary scene is represented: the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.
This painting is part of a series of 10 paintings, commissioned to decorate the walls on the arch of the new sacristy of the Cathedral of Coimbra, ordered to be built by Bishop Afonso de Castelo Branco.
"Rest on the Flight into Egypt"
Simão Rodrigues, 1608
Oil on wood
Museu Nacional Machado de Castro
