The Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents are the children executed at Herod's order in Matthew 2:16-18 (cached). Some images of the Holy Innocents depict the slaughter alone (example), but often Herod is prominently featured giving the order, as at left. Indeed, one panel in Burgos puts him in the center, occupying a good half of the image. The Golden Legend's account also spends a good deal less time on the innocents than on Herod, his family, and his subsequent troubles.

Feast day: December 28

At left, a 14th-century painting

Other images:
A 5th century mosaic
A 14th century painting
A 15th century painting
A relief at the Sagrada Familia


Hagiography:
Golden Legend #10: html or pdf
Episode in the Protevangelium of James

Also see:
The Nativity
The Magi
The Flight into Egypt

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