The Life of the Virgin: The Massacre of the Innocents

Israhel van Meckenem

Cleveland Museum of Art

Black and white image of a violent massacre scene. King Herod sits on a throne at left, bearded and wearing a long robe and head covering. He holds a sceptre. A woman in a head covering and long robe sits at right, she holds a child. Multiple naked bodies of small children are on and around steps between the king and woman. Soldiers and other figures are behind and above them, some carry weapons and are in the act of killing or about to kill. Two soldiers on horseback are at upper right. A column is in background left of center. A stone railing is at upper left with a winged figure on top. The artist's signature is at bottom center.