painting (oil): ["Rest on the Flight Into Egypt"]

Angels hovering overhead or bringing food on dishes are a common feature of the subject of the rest (or repose) on the flight to Egypt, where Joseph took Jesus and his mother to escape King Herod. Fruit, birds and drinking vessels are symbolic objects that appear in pictures of the Virgin and Child. In NCM 1904-99, these objects are represented more as components of still life, which was common in painting in northern Europe in the first part of the 17th century. The Virgin in a red dress and blue mantle sits under an apple tree. Two apples lie on the ground near the feet of the Virgin. The Child in the Virgin's lap stretches his right hand towards a winged Cherub who is carrying a basket of cherries. In association with the Christ child, the apple alluded to Christ as the future Redeemer of mankind from original sin. The cherry, called the "Fruit of Paradise", was given as a reward for virtuousness. At the Virgin's feet is a naked boy and above her head is another Cherub who holds a crown, presumably referring to the Virgin's identity as Queen of Heaven. The bird seen on a branch of the tree is probably a goldfinch and was an emblem of Christ's Passion. The rose on the ground to the right and the irises in a pot are both flowers that are traditionally associated with the Virgin. The iris often replaced the lily as an emblem of the Virgin in early Netherlandish painting. To the left in the middle distance a male figure with a staff, presumably Joseph, can be seen leading a donkey to drink at a nearby pond. A house is visible on a hillside in the distance. Virag 20/12/2004, Between 1984 and 1985, a research assistant, Dr. Brendan Cassidy, was employed by Nottingham Castle Museum to research and write a catalogue of the foreign oil paintings in their collection. The catalogue never materialised, but drafts and notes relating to Cassidy's research can be found in the Artist Files and in the Archive at the museum. All references to Cassidy relate to these documents. On the front: There is minor paint loss where the copper support has been exposed along the lower left and upper right edges and most noticeably on the right thigh of the winged cherub in the foreground. On the reverse: On removal of back-board: 1. NCM accession number 2. A label cut from the catalogue of the 1881 Christie's sale and which was previously stuck to the back of the frame of NCM 1904-99 is in the Artist File. NCM 1904-99 was cleaned and repaired in 1966 by W. Holder & Sons. Virag 20/12/2004, Sold Christie's, London, 17 June 1881, "The property of a Lady deceased", lot 109, bought by Richard Godson Millns for 15 guineas.