Adam Elsheimer (1578–1610) may be little known today, but he was one of the most important German artists of the 17th century. Dying at 32, he left behind a small body of work in terms of both output and scale. Only around 30 finished Elsheimer paintings on copper have survived to the present day. Although small-sized artworks, they are tours de force, evoking painting on a grand scale due to their intricate details, dynamic compositions, and dramatic lighting.
Two of his copper paintings of the biblical narrative “Flight Into Egypt” give insight into his innovative artistry that inspired canonical artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Nicolas Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Rembrandt, and Caspar David Friedrich.
