Study from "Massacre of the Innocents" c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Stefano Mulinari's "Study from 'Massacre of the Innocents.'" The scene is intense, a jumble of limbs and desperation. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The sword, of course, is a potent symbol of violence and arbitrary power, but note also the mother's outstretched hand. It’s a universal gesture of protection, a primal scream against injustice. Does it remind you of anything? Editor: It almost looks like she’s trying to ward off evil, like a shield. Curator: Exactly. The image taps into archetypal fears and the enduring struggle between innocence and brutality. The babe lying prone beneath the attacker’s feet, is it truly dead, or might it still be alive? Editor: The way Mulinari uses positioning to convey that makes this so much more devastating. Curator: Indeed. It’s a chilling reminder of how visual symbols can evoke profound emotional responses across time.