Flight into Egypt

Adam Elsheimer's painting, Flight into Egypt, created around 1609, is a significant work in the development of 17th-century landscape painting. It is recognized as one of the earliest nocturnal landscapes where the moon and stars are the primary light sources. This painting depicts the Holy Family's journey into Egypt, set against a dark night sky. The scene is illuminated by symbolic light sources: a small torch carried by Joseph, the moon, and numerous stars, which accurately represent constellations and the lunar surface. Elsheimer's innovative use of light, particularly his depiction of moonlight and starlight, profoundly influenced later artists like Rembrandt and Claude Lorrain.12