Artwork
Massacre of the Innocents
Massacre of the Innocents is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1611 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
About this work
Overview
Peter Paul Rubens painted Massacre of the Innocents in 1611. Executed in oil on canvas, the work exemplifies the Flemish Baroque aesthetic with its dynamic arrangement and intense coloration. It is part of the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays the biblical episode in which King Herod orders the killing of newborn children in Bethlehem. Rubens presents the scene with stark violence and exposed bodies, emphasizing the cruelty of the act and evoking a powerful emotional response.
Technique & Style
Rubens employs the vigorous brushwork and rich palette typical of the Baroque period. The composition is crowded and diagonal, guiding the viewer’s eye through the turmoil. Strong chiaroscuro highlights the flesh tones against a darkened background, enhancing the drama.
History & Provenance
Created during Rubens’s mature phase, the painting later entered the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to early 20th‑century acquisitions, reflecting the museum’s focus on European Baroque art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch:; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.
