Study for a Massacre of the Innocents 1560 - 1636

Domenico Cresti Passignano sketched this study for a "Massacre of the Innocents" with pen and wash. It is the ultimate depiction of chaos. The image encapsulates collective trauma, seen in the contorted faces of mothers and the brutal gestures of soldiers. Such scenes echo through history, recalling the ancient Roman depictions of conquest and slaughter. The raised arm of the soldier, a symbol of power and violence, is a recurring motif, tracing back to ancient battle reliefs and resurfacing in modern propaganda. Consider the emotional weight of this symbol. It triggers a deep, almost primal response, stirring fear and outrage. This is no accident, but the conscious, or perhaps subconscious, use of gestures that tap into our shared cultural memory. The scene of infanticide transcends its biblical origin, resurfacing in countless conflicts. It evolves, yet remains a potent symbol of humanity's capacity for cruelty.