The artwork, titled “Massacre of the Innocents,” is a mosaic crafted by Byzantine artists in the year 1320. It is part of the Byzantine, Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance (c. 1261–1453) art movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. This particular mosaic is located in the Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, and is part of a series within that church.
The artwork depicts a tragic biblical scene with a detailed and meticulously arranged composition typical of Byzantine mosaics. The intricate mosaic work features a series of vividly portrayed figures and scenes, emphasizing the dramatic and harrowing nature of the massacre. Soldiers are shown in the act of killing infants as horrified mothers attempt to protect their children. The stone mosaic uses a muted, yet impactful color palette that enhances the solemnity and brutality of the narrative. The structure of the image, with its arch and framing, is characteristic of the architectural setting in which it is housed, harmoniously blending with the church’s interior design. The artwork not only serves as a poignant religious illustration but also as a remarkable example of Byzantine art, portraying a significant historical and theological episode with emotional depth and technical mastery.
