The Massacre of the Innocents 17th century

This drawing titled "The Massacre of the Innocents", by Veneto, depicts a scene of infanticide with a complex set of emotional and historical symbols. Dominating this chaotic scene are the intertwined figures of mothers and soldiers; their gestures of resistance and aggression capture the deep-seated horror of the biblical event. The mother's desperate embrace of her child, a motif stretching back to ancient images of Pietà, is here inverted. No longer an image of mourning, it becomes a moment of futile protection. Such gestures echo across centuries, recurring in varied forms from classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings. The repetition of these motifs highlights their lasting psychological impact, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level, stirring primal fears and empathetic responses. The collective memory of violence and vulnerability embedded in these symbols ensures their continuous resurgence in art.