Artwork
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents is a print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1949.530
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
Overview
The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1495. It is part of a series depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical episode of Herod's soldiers killing infants in Bethlehem, a chaotic and violent scene that conveys the brutality of the event. A grieving woman clutching a dead child is a focal point, while an old man observes the carnage.
Technique & Style
The engraving is densely packed with intricate details, including faces, weapons, and even a cat in the shadows, showcasing van Meckenem's skill as a printmaker. As a prolific engraver, he produced over 620 prints, many of which were copies of other works.
Context
This work is part of a larger series on the Virgin Mary's life, using narrative to convey moral lessons, a common practice among artists of the time.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
