The Holy Family’s Flight into Egypt

Name/Title

The Holy Family’s Flight into Egypt

Entry/Object ID

2003.1.1

Description

20th-c. sculptural group of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.

Artwork Details

Medium

Polychrome, Papier-Mache, Feathers

Made/Created

Time Period

20th Century

Dimensions

Height

12 in

Width

11 in

Depth

5-1/2 in

Interpretative Labels

Label

According to the Bible, after the three Magi visited the newborn Jesus in the manger, an angel appeared to Joseph instructing him to flee to Egypt and seek refuge. This decorative object made of painted papier mache (paper bound with glue) and feathers represents the Holy Family on this sacred journey. A crowned Mary, dressed in blue robes, holds baby Jesus; a donkey’s head is visible behind them. Joseph, wearing a shepherd’s hat with pink and white feathers, guides them. This object would have been part of a larger collection of biblical figures meant to aid in personal prayer. Según la historia bíblica, luego de que los Tres Magos visitaran al Niño Jesús en el pesebre, un ángel se le aparece a José y lo insta a huir a Egipto para buscar refugio. Este objeto decorativo realizado con papel maché pintado (papel impregnado con pega) y plumas representa a la Sagrada Familia en su huida. Una Virgen María coronada y vestida de azul sostiene al Niño Jesús. Detrás de ellos se advierte la cabeza de un burro. José con sombrero de pastor adornado con plumas rosadas y blancas, les sirve de guía. Este objeto pudo haber formado parte de una composición mayor de figuritas bíblicas, y usarse como objeto de devoción.

Label Type

Credit Line

Label

Gift of Josephine Savaro