LOTTO, Lorenzo
(b. ca. 1480, Venezia, d. 1556, Loreto)

Rest on the Flight into Egypt

1529-30
Oil on canvas, 82 x 133 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

In this unusual version of the popular theme, the Holy Family is accompanied by St Justina of Padua, a Christian martyr, said to have died under the persecutions of the Emperor Maximian, by being pierced through the breast with a sword. She is frequently portrayed in the art of Padua and Venice.