Kindermoord te Betlehem 1544

"Kindermoord te Betlehem" (The Massacre of the Innocents) is an engraving by the Monogrammist NDB, created in 1544. The artwork depicts the biblical scene of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem, a gruesome event intended to eliminate the newborn Jesus. The print showcases a chaotic scene of violence and despair, with soldiers wielding weapons and mothers desperately protecting their children. This dramatic portrayal is characteristic of Northern Renaissance art, which often explored themes of religious history and human emotion with a level of detail and realism. The artist's use of line and shading emphasizes the dramatic action and the pathos of the scene. The "NDB" monogram, a hallmark of the artist's style, appears in the lower right corner of the print. This artwork provides insight into the religious and artistic sensibilities of the 16th century, offering a visual interpretation of a powerful and tragic biblical story.