Artwork
Massacre of the Innocents
Massacre of the Innocents is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Sébastien Bourdon. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Massacre of the Innocents is a 1642 oil painting by Sébastien Bourdon, a French artist of the 17th century. It exemplifies the French Classical Baroque style and is part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dramatic, chaotic religious scene based on the biblical narrative of the Massacre of the Innocents. The composition emphasizes the brutality and suffering of the event, with fallen and fleeing figures amidst violence.
Technique & Style
Bourdon employed strong chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with vibrant, bright colors to heighten the dramatic impact of the scene. This contrast guides the viewer's focus towards the suffering figures, intensifying the emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1642, the painting is attributed to Sébastien Bourdon. Its current location is the State Hermitage Museum, though the full provenance history is not detailed here.
Context
As a work of the French Classical Baroque, it reflects the period's artistic tendencies, blending classical restraint with Baroque emotional depth, often used to convey religious themes.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic legacies of *Massacre of the Innocents* are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of 17th-century French Baroque painting and its religious themes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sébastien Bourdon (French pronunciation: ; 2 February 1616 – 8 May 1671) was a French painter and engraver. His chef d'œuvre is The Crucifixion of St. Peter made for the cathedral of Notre Dame.
