The artwork titled “Judith,” created by Lucas Cranach the Elder, is an oil painting on wood, measuring 80 x 56 cm. This piece belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is classified as a religious painting. It is currently located at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, CA, US.
The painting depicts Judith, a biblical figure, holding the head of Holofernes whom she has beheaded. Judith’s serene and composed expression contrasts sharply with the gruesome act she has committed. She is adorned in a richly detailed dress with elaborate patterns and textures, showcasing the artist’s meticulous attention to detail and high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. Her attire includes a striking red hat, a choker, and a necklace of interlinked rings, adding to the overall opulence and gravity of the scene. The background is dark and unadorned, focusing the viewer’s attention entirely on Judith and her dramatic action, thus highlighting the painting’s intense subject matter and religious symbolism.
