Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, «De vlucht naar Egypte», 17e eeuw

Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos (Bogotá, Colombia, 1638 – 1711) “The Flight into Egypt” 159 x 157 cm.

The painting shows a poignant moment in the biblical narrative: the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt to escape the persecution of King Herod. The Virgin Mary, mounted on a donkey, tenderly holds the Child Jesus while Saint Joseph, with a serene face and protective gesture, guides the animal through a rugged yet harmonious landscape. The work conveys a deep sense of tranquility amidst uncertainty, achieved through excellent handling of light and composition. The detail in the garments and the faces of the characters reflects the characteristic devotion of Vázquez's style.

Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, born in Bogotá in 1638, is considered one of the greatest exponents of colonial art in New Granada (present-day Colombia). With a prolific career that spanned much of his life, Vázquez left a legacy of religious works that significantly influenced the artistic development of the region. His style combines elements of European Baroque with a sensitivity and devotion characteristic of the Latin American context of the 17th century.

The attribution of “The Flight into Egypt” to Vázquez is based on several stylistic aspects that are distinctive in his work. Among them are the masterful handling of chiaroscuro, the expressiveness of the faces, and the focus on the humanity of the sacred figures, inviting the viewer to a deep contemplation of the scene. The way light bathes the Virgin and the Child highlights divine protection, while Saint Joseph, although earthly, acts as a guide and protector on this journey. This particular use of light not only emphasizes the drama of religious scenes but also provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Latin America. The universal character of the theme — family, journey, protection — makes the work resonate with contemporary audiences, while its authenticity and technical mastery ensure its position as a desirable piece in any viceroyal art collection.

Comparative Stylistic and Technical Analysis between The Flight into Egypt and Works by Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos

When analyzing The Flight into Egypt in relation to other works by Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, we can establish a set of stylistic and technical similarities that reinforce its attribution to this master of Neogranadine Baroque. Across six key comparisons, patterns in the use of chiaroscuro, composition, color palette, and expressiveness are indicative of Vázquez's hand.

Comparison with The Adoration of the Shepherds (Colonial Museum of Bogotá)

In this work, one of Vázquez's most well-known, the pyramidal composition and the use of chiaroscuro are highlighted elements. When comparing this piece with The Flight into Egypt, a similar compositional structure is observed, where the Virgin and the Child occupy a central and hierarchical position. In both, the handling of light serves to highlight the sacred characters, while the background remains in shadow. Additionally, the tenderness in the gestures and expressions of the characters is a characteristic trait that reinforces the attribution to Vázquez.

Comparison with Saint Rose of Lima: Mystical Betrothal (Museums of the Republic, Bogotá)

In this work, Vázquez uses a warm color palette, similar to that employed in The Flight into Egypt. The earthy and golden tones unify both compositions, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Furthermore, the arrangement of the figures in a hierarchical structure, where the main characters dominate the scene, is a recurring technique in the painter. Like in The Flight into Egypt, the gestures and expressions convey a deep devotion and peace.

Comparison with Our Lady of the Angels (Seminary Museum, Bogotá)

In Our Lady of the Angels, the celestial representation and the hierarchical organization of the characters is similar to that of The Flight into Egypt, although in the latter the scene is more earthly. In both works, the use of angels and the light emanating from the main figures highlights the divine nature of the characters. The color palette, dominated by warm and earthy tones, is a constant in Vázquez's work. The similarity in the way religious symbolism is represented, such as divine protection in both scenes, reinforces the attribution.

Comparison with The Last Judgment (San Francisco Church, Bogotá)

In this large-scale work, Vázquez demonstrates his ability to handle complex compositions with multiple figures. Although The Flight into Egypt is a more intimate piece, both share a clear hierarchical organization, where the central figures are arranged to attract the viewer's attention. The color palette and the use of chiaroscuro are also recurring elements in both compositions. The expressiveness of the characters and attention to detail, such as the gestures of the hands, are consistent in both works.

Comparison with Saint Joseph and the Child (Seminary Museum, Bogotá)

This work, which represents an intimate scene between Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus, shares with The Flight into Egypt a focus on the tenderness and humanity of the religious figures. In both pieces, the use of a simple yet emotionally charged composition allows the viewer to focus on the relationship between the characters. Additionally, the warm colors and the detail in the garments reinforce the stylistic similarity between both works. The lily in Saint Joseph's hand, a symbol of purity, and the symbolism of protection in The Flight into Egypt are another point of connection.

Comparison with The Adoration of the Shepherds (Second Version, Colonial Museum of Bogotá)

In this second version of The Adoration of the Shepherds, we see a repetition of the compositional scheme with a hierarchical arrangement of the sacred characters. In both works, chiaroscuro plays an important role in highlighting the main characters. Additionally, the texture of the garments and the detailed folds of the fabrics is a constant that is repeated in The Flight into Egypt, reinforcing the attribution to Vázquez.

Bibliographic References:

“Gregorio Vázquez: the life and work of the most important painter of the New Kingdom of Granada” by Santiago Sebastián (1985).

“Colonial painting in Colombia” by José Manuel Groot (1987).

“Painting in the Viceroyalty of New Granada” by Elisa Vargas Lugo (1970).

“Painting in Santafé de Bogotá” by Santiago Sebastián and Germán Rubiano Caballero (1983).