Massacre of the Innocents 1637

Peter Paul Rubens's "Massacre of the Innocents" (1637) depicts the biblical story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. The painting captures the chaos and horror of the event, with soldiers striking down mothers and children in a violent frenzy. The emotional intensity of the scene is emphasized by the use of dramatic lighting and swirling compositions, characteristic of the Baroque period. This iconic work is on display at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.