For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. In the Bible, Judith showed the head of Holofernes to her people, the Israelites. She holds up her hand to cover the bright light in front of her eyes so she might see into the blackness. Enjoy! My favorite is actually the Judith and her Maidservant where the maidservant has the head in the basket and Judith has the sword over her shoulder and they are looking back. Giorgione’s work largely determined the development of 16th-century Venetian painting. Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by Orazio GentileschiThe National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Norway. We love art history and. Orazio Gentileschi was initially trained as a goldsmith before becoming a painter. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. To make this oil paint, the expensive stone Lapis Lazuli, mainly found in Afghanistan, is ground into powder. ‘Judith and her Maidservant With the Head of Holofernes’ Artemisia Gentileschi, circa 1625 Judith has killed Holofernes, and now her maid Abra crams the bloody head into a sack, to carry it back to Bethuliah. Gustav Klimt, Judith II (Salome), 1909, Cà Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna, Musei Civici Veneziani, Venice. She learned techniques and made them her own. The artist of this painting is Artemisia Gentileschi. https://www.artemisia-gentileschi.com/judith3.html. Judith appears proud of her deed and sure of her divine protection. ), Width: 73 cm (28.74 in.) Judith and Holofernes was likely painted on the first floor, beside the famous Saturn Devouring His Son. ( Log Out /  Medium oil on canvas In 1625, Artemisia Gentileschi painted this striking piece titled “Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes.”  This is not the first time Artemisia painted Judith and her Maidservant, nor is it her most famous piece. Exhibit: Morality and the Art of the Classical Era, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/monarchy-enlightenment/baroque-art1/baroque-italy/a/gentileschi-judith-slaying-holofernes. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. ( Log Out /  Cristofano emphasizes the heroine's beauty, the candor of her skin tones and the exquisite quality of her clothing, contrasted against the horror of the decapitated head she holds in her hand. Palazzo Pitti, Florence. Khan Academy did a great analysis of the painting. At the age of 18 he was raped by her tutor who was also her father’s friend. Artemisia didn’t have an easy life (as you can read here). Powerful image. The heat radiating on her body from the candle. Annie, I love Artemisia’s work too. This experience deeply affected Artemisia and forever influenced her art. Both the red dress (sottana), and the white linen camicia she is wearing underneath appears to be contemporary clothing pieces from Northern Italy. Judith and her Maidservant stand with their back towards the spectator, listening if anyone heard them. In this self-portrait, “..using her own likeness instead of an idealized figure, Gentileschi tests the conventions of feminine humility..” (Womeninthearts). I can feel the stillness in the air in that moment. Collection Palazzo Pitti. Artemisia was also one of a few female artists from those times. Artemisia Gentileschi Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by ... ... Circa 1608 If you find any joy and inspiration in our stories, with modest donation. A similar historical reference is made with the cameo brooch in Judith’s hair which was worn in such fashion during the 15th century. There are but a few generally accepted, non-controversial works from his hand and one of these is the Hermitage’s Judith. I love how she portrayed the women in her paintings. Francisco Goya, Judith and Holofernes, 1819-1823, Museo del Prado, Madrid. Represented in the painting by the luxurious olive-green fabric. In this painting I see luxuriously flowing lines of richly draping fabrics in colors of crimson-red, yellow-gold, and violet-blue contrasting against the dark background. She went with her loyal maid to the camp of the enemy general Holofernes and seduced him. I examined her Judith Slaying Holofernes painting on my blog. There is good harmony and repetition of similar elements throughout the composition. We will treat your information with respect. The red background and intense colors are the echo of Expressionism. The model was Adele Bloch-Bauer (yep, the one from the recent movie) whose sensuality and orgasmic expression shocked Vienna. The jewellery in the painting is interesting in this context. Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes, c. 1614-20, National Museum of Capodimonte, Naples. Therefore, Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes becomes much more than another study of a biblical scene, it becomes a painting that reinforces the presence of women in society.