Massacre of the Innocents 1452

Fra Angelico created this fresco of the Massacre of the Innocents in the mid-15th century for the Basilica di San Marco in Florence. The fresco depicts a scene of infanticide ordered by King Herod, an event described in the Gospel of Matthew. Painted during the early Renaissance, the work is an expression of humanist values and emerging ideas of social justice in Florence. We see Herod overlooking the scene from a balcony, seemingly detached from the horror unfolding below. The inclusion of Roman architectural elements might allude to the corruption of power within institutions, reflecting a critique of contemporary authority. By studying theological texts, historical records, and considering the patronage of the Basilica di San Marco by the Medici family, we can get a deeper understanding of the cultural forces shaping the artwork. Art history shows us that even sacred subjects can carry layered social commentary.