ATTRIBUTED TO ADRIAEN STALBEMT (ANTWERP 1580 - 1662) , Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt

This exquisite oil on copper is a characteristic example of the refined landscape painting produced in Antwerp during the early 17th century. The work is attributed to Adriaen Stalbemt, a master known for his ability to integrate small-scale narrative figures into lush, meticulously detailed natural settings.
The composition depicts the Holy Family resting in a wooded glade during their flight into Egypt. The Virgin Mary, dressed in her traditional pink and blue robes, tenderly cradles the Christ Child, while Saint Joseph stands protectively behind them. The scene is set at the edge of a dense forest, with a panoramic view opening to the left onto a misty river valley under a soft, crepuscular sky.
Stalbemt’s signature style is evident in the "nervous" and precise handling of the foliage, the subtle transitions between the cool blues of the distance and the warm ochres of the foreground, and the overall atmospheric depth. The use of a copper support allows for a smooth, enamel-like finish, preserving the delicate glazes and fine details of the flora in the foreground. This small-scale "cabinet" painting reflects the high demand among 17th-century collectors for works that combined spiritual devotion with a sophisticated appreciation for the natural world. Oil on copper, 16.7 x 23.4 cm