Massacre of the Innocents c. 16th century

Curator: This ivory carving, known as "Massacre of the Innocents," presents a gruesome biblical scene in miniature. It's quite small, only about 4 inches across. Editor: It’s brutal, isn’t it? But also beautifully rendered, almost serene despite the violence depicted. Curator: Absolutely. The ivory itself speaks of luxury, of course. Consider the labor involved in acquiring the material and the skill required for such intricate carving. Editor: And placing that labor in its historical context, we have to acknowledge the political implications inherent in religious art. The Church was a dominant force, commissioning and controlling the narrative through objects like this. Curator: The very act of carving sanctifies the ivory, transforming a simple material into an object of faith and power. The question is, for whom? Editor: It's a chilling contrast – this delicate object depicting such a horrifying event. It reminds us how easily violence can be aestheticized. Curator: Indeed. It pushes us to consider the function of art as not merely representational but deeply embedded in systems of power and material exchange. Editor: This tiny ivory round holds a brutal history and invites reflection on the complex interplay of faith, violence, and power.