3-035-517 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Rest on the Flight into Egypt with Saint John the Baptist, about 1509. Additional Info: In a scene of calm grandeur, the Holy Family is shown resting on their flight into Egypt under a date palm and pomegranate tree, while the Infant Saint John the Baptist presents a reed cross to the Christ Child, seated on the Madonna's lap. Saint Joseph leans on the donkey’s pack saddle, calmly observing the meeting of Christ and Saint John. A pomegranate, symbolic of Christ’s resurrection, lies half eaten in the foreground. The palm tree on the left is another symbol of the Passion, representing the palm fronds that would pave the road on Christ's final entry into Jerusalem.