Massacre of the Innocents c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Jean Robert Ango's rendition of the "Massacre of the Innocents," a graphite drawing measuring about 17 by 21 centimeters and held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Good heavens, it’s a whirlwind of terror. The diagonal pull of the figures really throws you right into the heart of the carnage. Curator: The composition is indeed dynamic, showcasing a clear understanding of Baroque principles despite the artist's youth. Note the sharp contrast in line weight, used to differentiate planes and heighten the dramatic tension. Editor: There's a raw, almost desperate energy in the sketchiness of the lines. It feels like he's trying to capture the horror before it vanishes. Makes you wonder what he really felt, you know? Curator: A valid point. While personal emotions are elusive, the formal arrangement leaves no doubt about the intended impact. The architecture, the bodies, the implied violence. It all points toward condemnation. Editor: Yes, yes, it’s technically proficient, but there is something about how quickly he died, so young, that you cannot help but see him. It’s really a scream of a drawing. Curator: An evocative response. Perhaps the artist’s own fleeting existence lends another layer to this already potent image. Editor: It does. It makes you wonder about all the screams left in the world, heard and unheard.