Description

The polychrome depicts the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. In the background of the painting, however, there are no plants that grow in the Holy Land but native pines, beeches and spruces. This is because Willmann was inspired by the flora of the Sudeten while painting all the landscapes in the temple. Joseph is leading the donkey on which Mary is travelling with Jesus. On the left, there is a statue of a pagan god. According to the Apocrypha, when the Holy Family was fleeing to Egypt, all the statues of pagan gods toppled at the sight of the true God. St. Joseph is depicted in the Flemish costume that was very fashionable at the end of the 17th century. The costume of St. Carpenter also refers to the period of Willmann's youth, who gained experience while travelling the country.