The artwork titled “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” was created by Fede Galizia in the year 1596. Executed in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and is categorized as a self-portrait.
The artwork depicts the biblical figure Judith holding a sword, with the severed head of Holofernes presented on a platter by an attendant. Judith is adorned in opulent clothing featuring intricate embroidery and jewelry, including pearls and a jeweled headdress, suggesting her elevated status and emphasizing her virtue and valor. The dramatic use of lighting illuminates her resolute expression, creating a strong contrast with the dark background and the intense red drapery, enhancing the solemn and triumphant tone of the scene. The skillful rendering of textures and the careful attention to detail demonstrate the artist’s mastery and contribute to the powerful and evocative narrative captured in the artwork.
