Description
The painting "Massacre of the Innocents" by Pieter El Brueghel the Younger is a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque art depicting the massacre of innocent children by King Herod in the Biblical story. The painting is a continuation of the work of his father, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, who also painted a version of the massacre.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with a multitude of figures in a mountainous landscape. The artist uses the technique of aerial perspective to give depth to the scene, which allows the viewer to feel part of the action. The scene is chaotic, with desperate and distraught figures trying to escape the massacre.
The color in the painting is intense and dramatic, with dark, saturated tones reflecting the violence of the scene. The artist uses contrasts of light and shadow to emphasize the tension and emotion in the scene.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. The massacre of the innocent is a recurring theme in Christian art, and this particular work is a social critique of violence and oppression by the powerful. The artist uses the biblical story to comment on the political and social situation of his time.
A little known aspect of the painting is that the artist included his own image in the scene. Pieter El Brueghel the Younger can be seen in the left corner of the painting, wearing period clothing and watching the massacre.
In summary, the painting "Massacre of the Innocents" by Pieter El Brueghel the Younger is an impressive work that combines technique, composition and color to create a dramatic and emotional scene. The history behind the painting and little-known aspects make it even more interesting and worth studying and admiring.