![Luc-Olivier Merson, The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)](https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1997.178/1997.178_print.jpg)
The Rest on the Flight into Egypt (recto); Sketch of a Sphinx [?] (verso)
c. 1879–80
- Medium
- gray and graphite wash, with scraping and traces of black chalk
- Dimensions
- 14.5 × 25.5 cm
- Status
- In Museum Collection
- Collect24 Art ID
- C24-208441
This drawing relates to Luc-Olivier Merson's Rest on the Flight into Egypt, among the most popular paintings exhibited at the 1879 Paris Salon. This dreamlike, highly unusual image from the familiar bible story shows Mary and Christ resting peacefully in the arms of a Sphinx, while Joseph sleeps near their dwindling fire. In the wake of its extraordinary success, Merson made several painted replicas of the work. Here, the composition is identical, but reversed, suggesting that it may have been an alternative version of the canvas.
Provenance
Severance Fund, 1997.178
Registry history
- c. 1879–80 — Recorded in the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art — drawings
Registered on Collect24
The identity of the collector is never published. Purchase information, documents and the exact location of the artwork remain private.
Ownership not yet verified on Collect24
This artwork is documented in the Global Art Registry, but no Collect24 account is linked to it as the owner. Claiming keeps this record and its Collect24 Art ID — nothing is created a second time.
Do you own or represent this artwork? Claim this artwork →Auction history
Public sale records matched to this work. Ownership is never disclosed.
Loading sale records…