“Slaughter of the Sons of Zedekiah before their Father,” created by Gustave Doré in 1866, is an engraving that falls within the Romanticism movement and represents a religious painting. This work is part of “The Holy Bible” series and is housed in a private collection.
The artwork graphically portrays the harrowing biblical scene where the sons of Zedekiah, the last King of Judah, are executed in front of their father. Centrally depicting an emotionally charged moment, the engraving captures Zedekiah in a state of profound grief and helplessness as he watches the brutal slaughter of his children. The intricate details of the figures, combined with the dramatic use of light and shadow, heighten the sense of tragedy and despair. The surrounding architectural elements and the gathered figures add depth and context to this intense narrative scene, exemplifying Doré’s masterful ability to convey profound emotional and spiritual experiences through his art.
