The Massacre of the Innocents

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Before you stands James Tissot's chilling masterpiece, "The Massacre of the Innocents," painted between 1886 and 1894. This powerful work, part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection, depicts the biblical account of King Herod's order to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. nn Tissot masterfully captures the horror and chaos of the event. Notice the stark contrast between the soldiers' brutality and the innocence of their victims. The artist's use of light and shadow further emphasizes the tragedy, casting a somber mood over the scene. The muted browns and grays of the stone archway and courtyard heighten the sense of despair. nn Tissot's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the painting. From the folds in the soldiers' tunics to the expressions of anguish on the faces of the mothers, every element contributes to the overall impact of the work. nn "The Massacre of the Innocents" is not merely a depiction of a historical event; it is a timeless commentary on the horrors of violence and the fragility of life. Tissot's painting serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion, prompting us to reflect on the world around us and our place within it.