Peter Paul Rubens’ first version of the…

Peter Paul Rubens’ first version of the Massacre of the Innocents, painted by the artist around 1611–12, is widely regarded as a demonstration of the artist's learnings from his time spent in Italy between 1600 and 1608, where he had observed first-hand the works of Italian Baroque painters like Caravaggio.

These influences are seen in this painting through the sheer drama and emotive dynamism of the scene, as well as the rich color.

There is also evidence of the use of chiaroscuro.