Kindermoord in Betlehem en vlucht van Maria, Jozef en Christuskind naar Egypte 1590 - 1622

This print by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert depicts the infanticide in Bethlehem and the flight of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus to Egypt. Produced in the Netherlands, most likely in the early 17th century, the image is a chilling commentary on the abuse of power and the disruption of social order. The composition is divided into two distinct scenes. On the right, the horror of Herod's soldiers murdering innocent children unfolds. On the left, we see the Holy Family escaping, seeking refuge from the tyrannical king. Bolswert's stark contrast highlights the vulnerability of the innocent against institutional violence. The inclusion of Latin text adds a layer of scholarly authority to the image, linking it to a tradition of religious and political debate. Understanding this artwork requires exploring the political and religious context of the time. Examining historical texts, religious treatises, and social commentaries of 17th-century Netherlands can offer a deeper insight into the anxieties and aspirations reflected in this powerful image.