slaughter of the innocents

Massacre of the Innocents is an oil painting by Moretto da Brescia, executed in 1531-1532, originally painted on panel but later transferred to canvas. It is on display on a side altar in San Giovanni Evangelista church in Brescia.

It was commissioned by Innocenzo Casari and his brother Giovanni Casari in compliance with the will of Giovanni Innocenzo Casari (died 19 September 1530), a third brother's son, which stipulated the erection of an altar dedicated to the Holy Innocents in the church of San Giovanni Evangelista. Innocenzo was superior general of a monastery of Lateran Canons attached to that church and Giovanni its prior.