Artwork preview

Massacre of the Innocents

John Baptist Jackson, after Jacopo Tintoretto

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing depicting a historical massacre. The composition shows a chaotic and dramatic scene filled with intense actions, set in an urban environment. Many human figures are engaged in various poses suggesting violence and despair. In the foreground and central area, figures are intertwined, with some in the act of attacking or defending themselves, while others appear to be lamenting or succumbing. The background contains architectural structures and faint horizon lines. The artwork uses a monochromatic color palette.

Artwork Details

Date
1739
Medium
chiaroscuro woodcut from four blocks in buff, gray, and two shades of brown on laid paper
Dimensions
9292 × 7086 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original