Artwork
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents is a print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1495. It is part of a series depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical episode of Herod's soldiers killing infants in Bethlehem, a chaotic and violent scene that conveys the brutality of the event. A grieving woman clutching a dead child is a focal point, while an old man observes the carnage.
Technique & Style
The engraving is densely packed with intricate details, including faces, weapons, and even a cat in the shadows, showcasing van Meckenem's skill as a printmaker. As a prolific engraver, he produced over 620 prints, many of which were copies of other works.
Context
This work is part of a larger series on the Virgin Mary's life, using narrative to convey moral lessons, a common practice among artists of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
