Martin SchongauerGerman, 1440–1491The Flight into Egypt
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Flight into Egypt” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Martin Schongauer was one of the most prolific early engravers from the Rhine Valley. He signed all his prints with his initials, making him the first printmaker whose authorship was absolutely clear. While a handful of the artist’s paintings survive, Schongauer’s engravings inspired generations of artists, including Albrecht Dürer. This iconic image shows the Holy Family resting while fleeing the Massacre of the Innocents and their home in Israel for Egypt. The work reflects some traditional accounts of the story, in which angels lowered date palms for easy harvesting, so Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child would not starve.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1953.508
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
In the life of Martin Schongauer
The whole lifec. 1471 – 1491
Twenty years at the head of German engraving
He dominates German engraving for about twenty years: his 116 engravings are known in Germany and Italy, reach England and Spain, and in Italy their maker is nicknamed “Beautiful Martin”; according to Vasari, Michelangelo copied his Temptation of St Anthony.
1488–1490
Hans Burgkmair the Elder in his workshop
Among his pupils is Hans Burgkmair the Elder, the Augsburg painter and designer of woodcuts, who works with him from 1488 to 1490.
June 1489
Recorded as a citizen of Breisach
Records of June 1489 name him a citizen of Breisach, where he is at work on the cathedral murals.
2 February 1491
Died
