The Massacre of the Innocents 1585 - 1595

Giovanni Battista della Rovere's "The Massacre of the Innocents" is a powerful, detailed drawing depicting the biblical story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. The artwork, executed in brown ink, features a chaotic scene set within a grand, architectural space. The artist's skillful use of line and shading conveys the turmoil of the event, capturing the fear and desperation of the mothers and the brutality of the soldiers. It was created during the late 16th century, a period of significant social and political upheaval in Italy, which may have influenced Rovere's interpretation of this tragic event. This drawing is a captivating example of Rovere's talent and a powerful reminder of the horrors of violence and persecution.