The artwork titled “Massacre of the Innocents” was created by Fra Angelico between 1451 and 1452. This tempera on panel painting belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and is categorized as a religious painting. It is part of the “Paintings for the Armadio degli Argenti” series and is displayed in the Basilica di San Marco in Florence, Italy.
The artwork vividly depicts the biblical event of the Massacre of the Innocents, ordered by King Herod. The composition is intense and emotional, featuring numerous figures in a chaotic scene. Mothers are shown in various stages of anguish and desperation, trying to protect their children from soldiers who are mercilessly carrying out Herod’s decree. The architectural elements in the background provide a stark contrast to the violent and frantic actions in the foreground. The use of tempera on panel allows for vibrant colors and fine details, enhancing the dramatic impact of the scene. Fra Angelico’s characteristic style is evident in the meticulous attention to the expressions and gestures of the figures, capturing the horror and despair of this tragic episode.
