
Not on display
- Artist
- Glyn Warren Philpot 1884–1937
- Medium
- Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions
- Support: 749 × 1161 × 25 mm
frame: 1088 × 1496 × 52 mm - Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Purchased 2004
- Reference
- T11861
Display caption
Glyn Philpot brings an unusual interpretation to the subject of the Holy Family resting on the flight into Egypt by incorporating mythological figures including a sphinx, a satyr and three centaurs. Philpot’s presentation of the mythological creatures alludes to pagan myths of unrestrained sexuality, and the implication is that this will be replaced by the new religion of Christianity. The Holy Family are seen sheltering against a huge sculpture from a ruined building, fragments of which appear in the background. This dream-like work has been interpreted as an attempt by Philpot to reconcile his adopted Catholicism and his sexual attraction to other men.
Gallery label, March 2018
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Features
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A Queer Little History of Art: Repose on the Flight into Egypt
Discover a queer reading of art history through Gyn Philpot's Repose on the Flight into Egypt
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