Massacre of the Innocents

The Story

Peter Paul Rubens's "Massacre of the Innocents," one of his masterpieces, is a work notable for its intense drawing and vivid composition. Rubens, a leading painter of the Baroque era, is shown here at his richest in figural depiction and dynamic scene construction. This work depicts a historical scene grounded in scripture, clearly revealing his style of emphasizing emotion and movement together. Sold at Sotheby's in 2002, this work is an example showing that Rubens's work continues to be highly valued artistically, reflecting the lasting reach of his artistic influence.