Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes Orazio Gentileschi (1563-1639)

The painting depicts the biblical figure Judith and her maidservant after the decapitation of Holofernes. Judith, on the left, is shown in a rich red robe adorned with gold patterns. Her gaze is directed upwards with an expression suggesting piety or divine contemplation. Her maidservant, positioned behind and to the right of Judith, holds the severed head of Holofernes by its hair, her eyes also looking upwards with a determined or watchful expression. The maidservants attire includes a blue garment over a white shirt. In Judiths hands, resting on her lap, is the bloody sword used in the assassination. The lower portion of the painting shows a yellow garment draped over Judiths legs, also stained with blood. The background is dark, highlighting the figures and the gruesome act.

The subtexts of the painting explore several themes:

• Religious Heroism and Divine Intervention: The story of Judith is a powerful example of a woman acting bravely to save her people from oppression, often seen as divinely inspired. The upward gazes of both women suggest their connection to God and their role in a higher purpose.
• Female Strength and Agency: In a time when womens roles were often limited, Judith is portrayed as a decisive and powerful figure who takes matters into her own hands. The painting emphasizes her courage and ingenuity.
• The Horror and Aftermath of Violence: While idealized, the painting doesnt shy away from the brutality of the act. The severed head and the bloodstains serve as stark reminders of the violence, juxtaposed with the womens stoic or resolute expressions.
• Feminine Purity vs. Masculine Brutality: Judith is often depicted as a symbol of virtue and chastity, using her beauty and wits to defeat the enemy. The contrast between her purity and Holoferness presumed debauchery and aggression is a central element of the narrative.
• The Role of the Maidservant: The maidservant is not merely a passive observer but an active participant, aiding Judith in her decisive action. Her presence highlights the collaborative nature of the deed and her own bravery.

The dramatic lighting, typical of Caravaggism, further emphasizes the intensity of the moment and the emotional weight of the scene.