Andrea Mantegna or Follower (Possibly Giulio Campagnola) – Judith with the Head of Holofernes National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a draped interior space. A woman stands centrally, her gaze directed outward with a measured expression. She is clad in a blue garment that clings to her form, revealing a degree of anatomical detail beneath the fabric. Her hair, a mass of tightly curled auburn strands, frames a face characterized by a stoic countenance and finely sculpted features.
To her left, a male figure sits on a low cushion or bench. He is dressed in elaborate Middle Eastern attire – a turban and a red tunic – and appears to be holding the severed head of another man. The disembodied head, positioned prominently within the scene, displays signs of trauma; its features are contorted, and dark blood stains the surrounding area. A sword lies near the seated figure, suggesting it was instrumental in the act depicted.
The backdrop is dominated by a large pink drape, richly embroidered with intricate patterns. This fabric creates a sense of enclosure and theatricality, drawing attention to the figures within. The lighting is diffused, casting soft shadows that contribute to the overall solemn mood. A glimpse of a bed can be seen in the background, further establishing the setting as an intimate chamber.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of violence, piety, and female agency. The act of decapitation, traditionally associated with biblical narratives, is presented without overt emotional display from the woman; her composure suggests a deliberate execution of divine will rather than impulsive action. The male figures posture and expression are ambiguous – he appears to be either an accomplice or a witness to the event.
The elaborate costume worn by the seated man hints at his status and potentially signifies a commentary on power dynamics and the fall of authority. The overall effect is one of restrained drama, where the narrative’s weight lies not in overt emotion but in the symbolic significance of the actions portrayed. The artists attention to detail – the rendering of fabric textures, anatomical accuracy, and the careful placement of objects – contributes to a sense of realism while simultaneously elevating the scene to a realm of allegorical meaning.