Kindermoord te Betlehem Possibly 1630 - 1702

This engraving, "Kindermoord te Bethlehem," translating to "Massacre of the Innocents," was created by Geertruydt Roghman sometime in the mid-17th century. Roghman, a Dutch Golden Age artist, here visualizes a biblical episode of infanticide, reflecting a period marked by religious and political conflict. In this heart-wrenching scene, Roghman presents a chaotic tangle of mothers and soldiers, each figure embodying a facet of despair and brutality. The emotional weight is palpable; you can almost hear the cries and feel the desperation. As a female artist during this time, Roghman’s perspective brings a unique dimension to the representation of women in extreme distress. The engraving forces us to confront the vulnerability of motherhood amidst violence. It compels us to consider the historical treatment of women’s bodies as battlegrounds in conflicts driven by patriarchal power. Ultimately, Roghman’s stark portrayal underscores the tragic cost of power, while resonating with timeless themes of loss and resistance.