Judith with the Head of Holofernes Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The painting depicts the biblical heroine Judith, prominently featured in the foreground, holding the severed head of the Assyrian general Holofernes. Judith is shown as a beautiful, young woman with fair skin, adorned in a rich blue and purple dress. Her gaze is directed downwards and slightly to the side, with a determined yet somewhat sorrowful expression. She holds a jeweled sword in her left hand, its blade not fully visible but implied by her grip.

Beside Judith, an older woman, likely her maidservant Abra, is shown assisting. Abras face is weathered and her expression is serious, as she helps to steady Holofernes head, which is wrapped in cloth. Holofernes head, depicted with a beard and closed eyes, is the focal point of the lower part of the painting, with bloodstains visible on the cloth and his neck.

Behind Judith, a large, voluminous piece of red fabric drapes dramatically, adding a sense of grandeur and intensity to the scene, as well as a stark contrast to the darker tones.

Subtexts:

• Heroism and Faith: The most apparent subtext is Judiths triumph over a powerful enemy through divine intervention and her own courage. She is presented as a savior of her people, acting to protect them from oppression.
• Female Strength and Agency: The painting challenges conventional portrayals of women in art. Judith is not a passive victim but an active agent who orchestrates and carries out a daring act of violence to achieve her goals. Her youth and beauty contrasted with the gruesome act highlight an unexpected source of power.
• Moral Ambiguity and Sacrifice: While celebrated as a heroine, the act itself is violent and bloody. The painting can invite contemplation on the cost of salvation and the moral complexities involved in warfare and liberation. Judiths expression might hint at the emotional toll of her actions.
• Beauty and Brutality: The juxtaposition of Judiths exquisite beauty with the severed head of Holofernes creates a powerful visual tension. This contrast emphasizes the shock and horror of the event while also suggesting that divine favor can reside in unexpected forms.
• The Power of Deception: Judiths success relied on her ability to infiltrate Holofernes camp by feigning seduction. This aspect of the story, though not explicitly shown post-act, is an underlying theme of strategic cunning and the use of perceived weakness (femininity) as a deceptive tool.
• Religious Iconography: As a biblical scene, the painting draws on deep religious narratives and symbolism, reinforcing themes of good versus evil, faith, and divine justice within a religious context.