Strages ss. Innocentium c. 19th century

Curator: Moritz Steinla's print, "Strages ss. Innocentium," presents a scene of profound anguish. The composition evokes both terror and a strange, classical grace. Editor: Absolutely—it's a very active image, full of these writhing figures. There's a kind of ballet of brutality happening, if that makes any sense. Curator: It does. Notice how Steinla uses stark contrast to heighten the emotional impact, drawing from the historical echoes of such events. The infanticide motif is pervasive. Editor: And the architectural backdrop almost seems indifferent, which makes the human drama all the more intense, like a stage set for a tragedy. Curator: Exactly, the image speaks to the cyclical nature of violence and the endurance of maternal grief across centuries. It's a potent blend of historical record and universal suffering. Editor: The image leaves you thinking about how these stories of pain become visual touchstones, constantly reshaped by artists to reflect our present anxieties. Very powerful, indeed.