1586
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Massacre of the Innocents is a 1586 ink by Hendrik Goltzius, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a chaotic scene of people in pain and struggle. A large, muscular man stands in the center, holding a sword. Around him, smaller figures—some naked, some half-dressed—are twisted in fear or agony. One woman clutches a child, while others reach out helplessly. The background is dark, making the figures stand out sharply. The artist used deep lines to create shadows and texture, giving the scene a dramatic, almost three-dimensional feel. This kind of detailed linework is typical of engravings from this time. If you like this style, look up engraving to see how artists carved intricate designs into metal plates.
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
See the richer artist page
