Artwork

The Massacre of the Innocents

The Massacre of the Innocents, by Unknown, 1750
The Massacre of the Innocents, by Unknown, 1750

The Massacre of the Innocents is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The Massacre of the Innocents, created circa 1750 by an artist identified as 1465_person, is a painting housed at the Museum of Ethnography. The work depicts a dramatic, emotionally charged scene within a grand architectural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a chaotic and distressing event, with a central fallen figure surrounded by robed individuals, some of whom express anguish. The subject matter appears to reference a biblical narrative of violence and sorrow.

Technique & Style

The artist employed strong chiaroscuro, characterized by pronounced contrasts between light and dark, to achieve profound depth and emphasize the emotional intensity of the moment. Bold shadows accentuate the figures, guiding the viewer's focus.

History & Provenance

Created around 1750, the painting's attribution is to 1465_person, though the individual's identity or further biographical details are not provided here. It is currently part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Given its style and subject, the work likely reflects the artistic and religious themes prevalent during the mid-18th century, possibly influenced by Baroque traditions due to its dramatic lighting.

Legacy

Information on the painting's impact, exhibitions, or influence on subsequent art is not provided, suggesting its significance may be more localized to its current museum setting or awaiting further scholarly exploration.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known