Judith Beheading Holofernes
c. 1599-1602 Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Palazzo Barberini, Rome
About this artwork
This dramatic oil painting depicts the biblical story of Judith decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes, while her maid Abra holds a bag. The scene is rendered with intense realism and dramatic chiaroscuro, characteristic of Caravaggio's style.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's depiction of Judith Beheading Holofernes is renowned for its visceral realism and emotional intensity, reflecting the artist's groundbreaking approach to naturalism. The painting's dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, not only heightens the tension of the brutal act but also draws the viewer into the raw immediacy of the moment, making it a powerful example of Baroque artistry.
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Judith Beheading Holofernes
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1599-1602
