The story of Judith slaying Holofernes is widely interpreted in many paintings. The story comes from the Book of Judith. Judith was a wealthy, young, and beautiful widow. She decided to travel to the Assyrian commander in chief, Holofernes, to seduce him into leaving Bethulia. She dressed in her finest clothes and jewelry and entered the Assyrian encampment. She charmed Holofernes over the next few days. Once she gained his trust she got him drunk. Before he could attempt any sexual advances she lopped off his head with a sword. With the help of her handmaiden, Abra, she brought Holofernes’ head back to town. Alarmed and terrified by Judith’s actions, the Assyrians fled. The Old Testament hero is often depicted in art post beheading with the sword and head of Holofernes in hand. Two paintings in particular, depict different scenes of Judith’s deed. Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith Slaying Holofernes from 1614-20 captures the
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2) is a seductive beauty much like Gentileschi’s. She is off center towards the right. The arm on the left is horizontally holding Holofernes’ head which is barely visible. She has what appears to be a gold belt around her waist. Judith has a sheer gold embellished purple fabric draped over the left side of her body. The fabric suggests that she is lavishly dressed. The right breast and her navel are exposed. There is a green metallic area of grass to her left. A gold arm band is on Judith’s left arm. A jeweled golden choker necklace occupies the space around Judith’s neck. The background of the piece is made up of gold leaf round shapes and palm trees. Above her right shoulder in the background is a six sided star shape. This could be a star of David because Judith is from Bethulia. Judith’s expression conveys ecstasy and triumph. Her hair is a round black shape that blends into the background. A frame around the painting bears the title ‘Judith and Holofernes’ at the top in a gold
2) is a seductive beauty much like Gentileschi’s. She is off center towards the right. The arm on the left is horizontally holding Holofernes’ head which is barely visible. She has what appears to be a gold belt around her waist. Judith has a sheer gold embellished purple fabric draped over the left side of her body. The fabric suggests that she is lavishly dressed. The right breast and her navel are exposed. There is a green metallic area of grass to her left. A gold arm band is on Judith’s left arm. A jeweled golden choker necklace occupies the space around Judith’s neck. The background of the piece is made up of gold leaf round shapes and palm trees. Above her right shoulder in the background is a six sided star shape. This could be a star of David because Judith is from Bethulia. Judith’s expression conveys ecstasy and triumph. Her hair is a round black shape that blends into the background. A frame around the painting bears the title ‘Judith and Holofernes’ at the top in a gold