Angel (study for Flight into Egypt), Allessandro Turchi

Exhibition Label: "Corpus," Apr-2012, Kris Ercums This elegant angel is either a copy of or study for a larger altarpiece by Allesandro Turchi that depicts the biblical episode known as “Flight into Egypt.” According to the Gospel of Mark an angel appeared to Joseph and warned him to flee with Mary and Jesus into neighboring Egypt as King Herod would seek out and kill the child. The complete altarpiece, which is believed to have hung in the church of St. Romualdo in Rome, has many versions all of which depict Mary holding her beloved infant son while seated on a donkey. A wanton, youthful angel, with slight drapery blowing in the wind, seemingly hovers nearby, directing Joseph along the path to safety. The articulated gesture of the angel, both pointing and beckoning, and the use of intense, contrasting light and shadow demonstrates the delight in theatrical modes that captivated artists of Turchi’s era. Label 2009: This elegant angel is either a study for, or a copy from, Turchi’s altarpiece, The Flight into Egypt, of which many versions are known. In the larger composition, the angel stands to the right of the Holy Family and directs them to safety. Wearing a flowing robe that reveals his youthful torso, he looks more like a fair-haired adolescent in costume than a traditional angel. Turchi used this realistic and sensuous type of angel in other paintings as well. Archive Label 1999: This elegant angel is either a study for, or a copy from, Turchi's altarpiece, The Flight into Egypt, of which many versions are known. In the larger composition, the angel stands to the right of the Holy Family and directs them to safety. Wearing a flowing robe that reveals his youthful torso, he looks more like a fair-haired adolescent in costume than a traditional angel. Turchi used this realistic and sensuous type of angel in other paintings as well.