The Massacre of the Innocents 1566

Pieter Bruegel the Elder's "The Massacre of the Innocents" (1566) depicts the biblical story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. This large-scale oil painting is a powerful example of Bruegel's mastery of landscape and figural composition. The scene is set in a snowy, Flemish village, with a panoramic view of the massacre unfolding amidst the chaos and despair of the townspeople. The dramatic composition, with its swirling figures and use of light and shadow, creates a sense of urgency and horror, effectively conveying the brutality of the event. The painting's realism and detailed depiction of everyday life make it a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century society and offer a timeless commentary on the suffering caused by tyranny.