Massacre of the Innocents (With the Fir Tree)
1512
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1512
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This print shows a chaotic scene with a group of muscular men and women in the center, some holding babies or reaching out wildly. Others lie on the ground, looking dead or wounded, while a few children huddle nearby. The background has a bridge, buildings, and a stormy sky with lightning. Notice how the figures are drawn with sharp contrasts between light and dark, making their muscles and emotions stand out. The artist used this effect to create drama and tension. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works in other art.
