The Flight into Egypt

Alessandro Turchi 1578 - 1649

Summary

This is a full-scale autograph replica of an altarpiece for the little church (now destroyed) of S. Romualdo, Rome, which belonged to the Camaldolese order. The altarpiece was probably commissioned by Cardinal Antonio Barberini the Younger, protector of the order, shortly before 1638. The composition was described in detail and admired by Passeri, but it is not known to which of several extant versions his account refers. The story is related in St Mark 2:13-15. An angel appears to Joseph, telling him to flee with his family to Egypt, since Herod is preparing to have the Infant put to death. Here, Joseph is given directions by the angel as he sets out on his journey. The angel's robe is pure white and his flesh dazzlingly pale, as if he is burning with a white light. He presents a striking contrast to the sombre brown, gold and green tones used for the Holy Family and the setting. Joseph attends solemnly to the angels's words, his features heavy with the burden of his responsibility. The relatively simple composition, in conjunction with the downward glances of the figures, lends them a sense of dignity and humility. Alessandro Turchi, called L'Orbetto, who was active in Rome, was one of the great Baroque painters of the Veronese School. This a mature work, made during a period when he was in the midst of many important commissions and shortly before his appointment as Principal of the Accademia di S. Luca. This painting appears to have served as the reredos of St Luke's Church, Cheetham Hill, Manchester from c.1838, after being brought from Italy by a Cheshire family in the late 18th or early 19th century.