Massacre of the Innocents

Léon Cogniet (Paris, 1794 - Paris, 1880)
Scène du massacre des Innocents/ Scene from the Massacre of the Innocents
1824
Oil on canvas
265 x 235 cm
Musée des beaux-arts de Rennes, Rennes

This painting was displayed in the Salon of 1824, beside Delacroix`s Massacres de Scio.

Cogniet`s treatment of the Massacre of the Innocents was original and aroused attention at the time.

He suggested the drama rather than a full depiction of the horrific scene.

In the front of the painting is the mother is huddled in the corner of an old wall with her child, her hand over the infant`s mouth trying to keep it quiet.

The horror of the drama can be seen behind not far in the distance.

The effect is one of suspense.