Who painted Massacre of the Innocents?

Massacre of the Innocents was painted by Francesco Rosaspina.

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 Francesco Rosaspina. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Francesco Rosaspina’s 1850 print reproduces Guido Reni’s composition of the biblical Massacre of the Innocents. Executed on paper, the image translates the painter’s dramatic tableau into a monochrome medium, retaining the original’s intense narrative and compositional balance while allowing the viewer to engage with the scene through line and tone rather than colour.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a frantic moment of violence: women in flowing robes clutch at their infants while armed men advance, their simple tunics contrasting with the victims’ garments. A distant building and a storm‑filled sky frame the turmoil, underscoring the desperation and helplessness of the innocent amidst a state‑sanctioned slaughter.

Technique & Style

Rosaspina employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with illuminated figures to heighten the scene’s tension. The stark contrast between light and dark delineates the bodies, accentuates facial expressions, and guides the eye through the chaotic foreground to the ominous background, reinforcing the emotional impact of the narrative.

History & Provenance

Created in 1850, the print serves as a faithful reproduction of Reni’s earlier work, reflecting the 19th‑century practice of disseminating celebrated paintings through engravings. Rosaspina, known for his skill in translating paintings into prints, enabled broader access to Reni’s composition, contributing to its continued visibility in academic and devotional contexts.