Retour d'Egypte

Joseph leads the young Jesus by the donkey’s bridle while Mary rides beside them, wrapped in a travel cloak beneath the palms of Egypt. A pyramid rises in the distance, anchoring the scene in the land where the Holy Family found refuge from Herod’s violence. Joseph carries a staff and looks back toward Mary with watchful care, while the Christ Child walks forward with quiet confidence on the road toward Israel.

The artwork portrays the Gospel moment after the angel tells Joseph that those seeking the Child’s life are dead. Their journey fulfills the divine protection surrounding Jesus’ early life and prepares the way for His upbringing in Nazareth. The scene is suited for teaching on the Holy Family, God’s guidance, obedience, refuge, and the childhood of Christ.