Artwork
Massacre of the Innocents
Massacre of the Innocents is an unspecified painting by Ludovico Mazzolino. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Massacre of the Innocents is a religious painting created in 1525 by Ludovico Mazzolino, an Italian Renaissance artist. It is currently part of the collection at the Uffizi Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a scene from Christian scripture, specifically the Massacre of the Innocents, an event in which King Herod ordered the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus. The subject conveys themes of violence, innocence, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Technique & Style
While specific technical details of the painting are not provided, as a work of the Italian Renaissance, it likely features characteristics common to the period, such as detailed realism, expressive figures, and possibly the use of oil on wood or canvas. Mazzolino’s style, active between 1480 and 1528, would have been influenced by the broader Renaissance trends in Ferrara and Bologna.
History & Provenance
Massacre of the Innocents was completed in 1525. Its creation is attributed to Ludovico Mazzolino, who was active in Ferrara and Bologna. The painting is now housed at the Uffizi Gallery, though the exact date of its acquisition is not specified.
Context
Painted during the Italian Renaissance, the work reflects the era’s focus on religious themes and the revival of classical influences. The choice of subject matter aligns with the Catholic Church’s emphasis on biblical narratives during this period.
Legacy
As part of the Uffizi Gallery’s collection, Massacre of the Innocents contributes to the gallery’s comprehensive display of Renaissance art, offering insights into the artistic and religious sentiments of 16th-century Italy. However, without further information on its impact or influence on later artists, its specific legacy beyond its presence in a major collection cannot be detailed.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ludovico Mazzolino (1480 – c. 1528) - also known as Mazzolini da Ferrara, Lodovico Ferraresa, and Il Ferrarese - was an Italian Renaissance painter active in Ferrara and Bologna.
