Why the innocents were massacred
This superb piece of representational art depicts one of the most savage events of biblical history - the massacre of all new-born boys, ordered by Herod to prevent the emergence of a Messiah. One of the great examples of Baroque history painting, it contains all Rubens' usual themes: movement, muscle, flesh and above all, emotion. Look at his use of diagonals, colour contrasts and relationships between subjects - all of which help to activate and involve the spectator.
excerpted from: http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/most-expensive-paintings-top-20.htm