Judith with the head of Holofernes Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506)

The drawing presents a dramatic scene centered around two female figures and a fallen male figure. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the action unfolding within a confined space. Here we see a woman, positioned on the left, her gaze fixed intently upon the man lying prone before her. Her expression conveys a complex mixture of determination and perhaps a touch of apprehension or even distaste. She holds aloft what appears to be a severed head by its hair; the face is rendered with meticulous detail, exhibiting signs of death – slackness of features and an open mouth.
To the right stands another woman, her posture more assertive and dynamic. Her body leans forward slightly, as if participating in the act or offering support. She holds a sword, which rests diagonally across her torso, suggesting both readiness and involvement. The artist has rendered drapery with considerable skill, using swirling lines to convey movement and volume. The folds of fabric contribute significantly to the overall sense of drama and tension within the scene.
The male figure dominates the central portion of the drawing. He is depicted in a state of defeat, his body angled awkwardly as if having just fallen. His face is turned towards the viewer, but his eyes are closed, indicating death or unconsciousness. The artist has paid close attention to anatomical detail, particularly in the rendering of muscles and bone structure.
The color palette is restricted to warm earth tones – ochre, brown, and umber – which contribute to a sense of antiquity and solemnity. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates tonal variation and enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures. A small circular shape rests on the ground near the fallen man’s feet; its significance remains ambiguous but could be interpreted as symbolic or simply a detail of the setting.
Subtexts within this drawing suggest themes of courage, sacrifice, and perhaps even vengeance. The depiction of violence is not glorified but rather presented with a stark realism that invites contemplation on the consequences of conflict. The women’s expressions hint at the psychological toll taken by their actions, suggesting a narrative beyond the immediate visual event. The overall effect is one of intense drama and emotional complexity, leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding the motivations and inner states of the individuals portrayed.