The Massacre of the Innocents 1585

Editor: This is Johann Sadeler I's engraving, "The Massacre of the Innocents," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The violence is overt, but almost stylized. What narratives do you see at play here? Curator: This piece, viewed through a contemporary lens, is a stark reminder of historical power structures and their devastating impact on marginalized communities. The massacre, ordered by a male ruler fearful of losing power, is a symbol of patriarchal violence enacted upon women and children. Do you see any visual cues reinforcing this imbalance of power? Editor: I see the male soldiers are much larger and more muscular than the women. The women are prone and defenseless. Curator: Exactly. Consider also the religious context: this event is driven by the fear of a newborn king. Examining the societal anxieties surrounding shifting power dynamics is crucial to understanding such a piece. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's more than just a historical scene; it's a reflection of enduring power imbalances. Curator: Precisely. Art allows us to confront uncomfortable truths and, hopefully, inspire change.