Massacre of the Innocents (ca. 1544, Met-Objekt 5968)
Original title: Massacre of the Innocents
kurzbeschreibung
Around 1544 the artist known as Master ND created the woodcut 'Massacre of the Innocents', which depicts the biblical slaughter of the children of Bethlehem. The sheet is executed as a pure key block print, meaning only the outline and contour block was used, with no color applied. It measures 29.3 x 53 cm.
Description
A crowd of figures in a wide variety of poses fills the image, creating an restless, even chaotic atmosphere. Some lie on the ground, others are in motion, pointing to the violent action. The figures' garments, which look antique, reinforce the historical or biblical setting. Ruins and architectural structures in the background recall an ancient city. Monochrome in shades of gray and brown, the image shows even light without visible shadows, as is typical of woodcuts.
Context
Around 1544, the Massacre of the Innocents was a common subject in Christian art. Master ND is an artist whose name has not been passed down, active in the first half of the 16th century. The key block print suggests that the work was prepared for a multi-color edition, of which only the first printing stage survives. The scene follows the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2:16-18).
Impact
The dense arrangement of the figures and their dynamic poses create a dramatic, unsettling effect that emphasizes the cruelty of the event. Through the monochrome coloring and flat lighting, the image feels detached, almost documentary, directing the viewer's attention to the narrative details.
Technique
This work is a woodcut: the design was cut into a wooden block and then printed on paper. It is the key block, which contains the contours and main lines, while color blocks were intended for later coloring. The detailed execution testifies to careful cutting technique that allows fine lines and hatching.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)