The Massacre of the Innocents 1730 - 1750

Pietro Monaco created this print of “The Massacre of the Innocents” sometime in the 18th century. It depicts a biblical event marked by violence, fear, and the vulnerability of women and children under male rule. The composition, derived from a painting by Giulio Carpioni, captures a scene of terror as soldiers carry out King Herod’s decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem. The print is a swirl of bodies and emotions: mothers desperately shield their children, while soldiers execute the infanticide. Embedded within this historical and religious narrative are themes of power, gender, and sacrifice. The male figures, whether in positions of authority or violence, dictate the fate of the women and children who are portrayed as helpless. The print asks us to consider who is protected and who is sacrificed in the name of power. As you reflect on this image, consider the ways it resonates with contemporary issues of violence, protection, and the struggle for justice.