Rest During The Flight Into Egypt, Circle Of Hendrick Van Balen, 17th Century Antwerp School

Rest during the flight to Egypt
Circle of Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) 
Early 17th-century Antwerp school 
Oil on copper: h. 26 cm (10.24 in.), l. 37 cm (14.57 in.) 
Carved gilded wood frame 
Framed: h. 33 cm (12.99 in.), l. 45 cm (17.72 in.) 

This charming and delicate painting depicts the Virgin and Child resting in the luxurious landscape during the biblical episode of the flight into Egypt. Mary is seated with Jesus on her lap, under a beautiful rose bush, offering delicate roses. (The rose is the flower associated with the Virgin Mary, who is the "mystical rose", the one without "the thorn of sin") At the Virgin's feet is a wicker basket filled profusely with beautiful flowers To the left, the painter invites us to join in the celebrations of the putti in a clearing. The angles dance in the circle with their brightly colored wings and delicately painted, chubby bodies. 
The meticulous treatment of the vegetation and flowers, combined with a sophisticated palette blending all shades of green, yellow and ochre to create the foliage, provide a magnificent setting for this charming scene.