There are two known copies of the original painting, "Massacre of the Innocents." This one retains all the original imagery, while the other version was partially painted over at the request of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, who disliked how graphically it depicted his own army inflicting violence against children. Standing watch over the scene is della Francesca's Virgin Mary, watching as she receives the news from the Archangel Gabriel that she will become pregnant.

Framed: `15.5" x 13" / Unframed: 6.75" x 8"

Reference Works:

• "Massacre of the Innocents" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1565-67)

• "Annunciation" by Piero della Francesca (ca. 1455)