Massacre of the Innocents 1700 - 1800

This anonymous red chalk drawing from the 1700s depicts a chaotic scene of the Massacre of the Innocents, a biblical event where King Herod ordered the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem. The composition, framed by architectural elements, emphasizes the drama and violence of the moment. This drawing is a powerful example of the 18th century's continued fascination with religious narratives and the portrayal of human suffering. The fragmented nature of the sheet adds to the sense of urgency and instability. The work is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY.