This work was one of Simone Cantarini’s favourite themes. This roundel is probably a late copy after an etching produced by Cantarini, who was not only a painter, but also a gifted printmaker. A follower of Guido Reni, Cantarini worked mainly in Bologna. He produced many versions of this religious subject which comes from the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew. According to this Apocryphal text, during the Flight into Egypt, angels bent down the branches of the palm trees by the road to supply the Holy Family with fruit.

Provenance: Founders bequest

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: after Simone Cantarini (1612–1648)
Date: 18th century

Image Details
Date: 12 May 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 320
Licensing: Image of a Bowes Museum asset. This image cannot be licensed.