The Massacre of the Innocents 1320

Giotto's "The Massacre of the Innocents" (c.1320) is a fresco located in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy. The painting depicts the biblical story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem, as told in the Gospel of Matthew. Giotto's realistic portrayal of the event, with its emotional intensity and focus on individual figures, is a hallmark of his artistic style. The composition is dynamic and dramatic, with the viewer drawn to the center of the scene by the frantic actions of the soldiers and mothers. The painting is a testament to Giotto's ability to capture the pathos and brutality of the event, while also conveying a sense of the divine justice that would ultimately prevail.