Who painted Massacre of the Innocents?

Massacre of the Innocents was painted by Giovanni Folo in 1850.

Where can I see Massacre of the Innocents?

Massacre of the Innocents is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Massacre of the Innocents

Massacre of the Innocents is a print by Giovanni Folo. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Giovanni Folo’s print *Massacre of the Innocents* translates Nicolas Poussin’s original composition into a monochrome work executed in ink or engraving on paper. The image captures a tumultuous biblical episode, rendered with a focus on narrative intensity rather than decorative detail.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a brutal assault: a shirtless soldier brandishing a sword strikes at a kneeling woman who clutches a child, attempting to shield the infant from violence. Around them, other figures appear to flee, emphasizing the chaos and desperation inherent in the narrative.

Technique & Style

Folo employs fine line work and cross‑hatching to model forms and suggest movement, while the contrast of dark ink against the paper surface heightens the dramatic tension. The composition mirrors Poussin’s classical arrangement, yet the print’s linear emphasis creates a stark, graphic quality.

Context

The subject derives from the biblical Massacre of the Innocents, a theme frequently revisited in Baroque art to explore themes of suffering and divine injustice. By reproducing Poussin’s design, Folo participates in the 18th‑century practice of disseminating celebrated paintings through prints for a broader audience.

Legacy

Folo’s rendition contributed to the circulation of Poussin’s visual language beyond the original canvas, influencing later collectors and scholars who accessed the narrative through print media. The work remains a reference point for studies of printmaking’s role in art transmission.