The Massacre of the Innocents

About this work

This black-and-white scene shows a chaotic crowd of people in a city. Men, women, and children are tangled together—some standing, some kneeling, others lying on the ground. One woman at the center holds a baby close, while others around her wave their arms or point upward. Buildings and a bridge loom in the background, with smoke rising in the distance. The mix of strong, twisting bodies and dramatic poses creates a sense of panic. Look closely at the faces—some are screaming, others look resigned. The artist used fine lines to build up shadows and texture, making the scene feel both urgent and carefully planned. Next, check out how this was made with engraving.