- Artists
USA
Netherlands
Netherlands
Poland
Spain
France 
Massacre of the Innocents
The painting depicts the dramatic and tense scene of the Massacre of the Innocents – the mass murder of children ordered by King Herod in the Bible. Rubens shows the chaos, terror, and brutality of the event through dynamic poses and contrasts of light. The composition is full of expressive movement and strong emotions, typical features of the Baroque.
Portrait of the Creator
-
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens
-
Date of birth and death
28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640
-
Natinality
Flemish
-
Style
Flemish Baroque painting, dynamic compositions, vivid coloring, sensuous forms
-
Significant works
The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Night Watch, The Fall of Man, Marie de’ Medici cycle, The Three Graces
Information about the work
-
Year:
1637
-
Execution technique:
oil on panel
-
Location:
Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany
-
Theme:
Baroque, religious painting, biblical scene, drama, suffering, violence
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
-
Inner Narrative
The work emphasizes the defenselessness and tragedy of the children and the desperation of mothers, showing the struggle for life in the face of cruel violence. The symbolism of light and shadow enhances the drama, and the dynamic compositions convey the chaos of the scene.
The key to interpreting the work
The interpretation should include the biblical context, Baroque dramatic expression and emotional tension, as well as an analysis of the composition and use of light as a narrative device.See other works by this artist
Copy of Battle of Anghiari, the lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Year: 1603
Madonna and Child with the Donors Alexandre Goubeau and his wife Anne Antoni
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Year: 1604
