Kindermoord te Betlehem 1511 - 1512

Marcantonio Raimondi created "Massacre of the Innocents" using engraving techniques. The composition plunges us into a chaotic scene filled with violence, terror, and desperate attempts at resistance. Raimondi masterfully uses line and form to depict the emotional intensity of the biblical event. Through the figures' dynamic poses and the expressive rendering of their faces, he conveys both physical struggle and profound grief. The use of stark contrasts and detailed textures further amplifies the dramatic effect. The architectural elements in the background, such as the arches and buildings, provide a structured backdrop that starkly contrasts with the disorder and brutality in the foreground. This juxtaposition enhances the overall sense of horror and highlights the disruption of social order caused by the massacre. The formal structure not only captures the historical narrative but also serves as a reflection on human suffering and moral chaos. This print invites us to contemplate the interplay between form and content and consider how such artistic choices reflect broader cultural and philosophical anxieties.