Massacre of the Innocents 1580 - 1590

Hendrick Goltzius's "Massacre of the Innocents" (1580-1590) is a dramatic etching that depicts the biblical story of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. Goltzius's dynamic composition, with figures contorted in fear and agony, highlights the tragedy of the event. The use of strong contrasts of light and shadow further emphasizes the violence and chaos. The work exemplifies Goltzius's mastery of the etching technique, with its intricate details and powerful sense of movement.