“Slaughter of the Innocents” is a fresco created by Domenico Ghirlandaio between 1486 and 1490, epitomizing the Early Renaissance movement. This religious painting can be found in Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy.
The artwork depicts a dramatic and chaotic scene filled with intense motion and anguish, indicative of the biblical massacre it portrays. Central to the composition is a series of violent confrontations, with soldiers depicted mercilessly attacking women and children. The expressions of terror and desperation on the faces of the figures convey the horror of the events. Amidst the tumult, architectural elements in the background suggest a classical influence, adding a sense of depth and grandeur to the scene. Rich, vibrant colors and intricate details highlight Ghirlandaio’s mastery in fresco technique, capturing the sorrow and brutality of the narrative with vivid realism.
