Herod the Great in Bethlehem

Karl Sandhaas rendered this scene of Herod the Great in Bethlehem in pen and watercolor. The sword, prominently held by Herod’s soldier, is more than just a weapon; it's a symbol of power and impending violence. The motif of the sword connects us to countless images throughout history, where it represents authority, justice, and, of course, destruction. Think of the Archangel Michael wielding his sword, or the many depictions of Roman emperors with their gladii. Its reappearance here, held aloft, is a stark reminder of the terrible infanticide ordered by Herod, a desperate act to eliminate a perceived threat to his throne. This act, deeply embedded in our cultural memory, speaks to the primal fear of losing power. The image of the sword, therefore, engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of terror and moral outrage that have been felt for centuries. It is a symbol that returns, laden with the weight of history, each time carrying echoes of past conflicts and human cruelty.