Francisco Goya 1746 – 1828

Judith and Holofernes

mixed technique on wall (146 × 84 cm) — 1821-1823 Museo del Prado, Madrid

Francisco Goya biography

This work is linked to Judith 13:9

Judith raises the sword to kill the enemy warlord Holofernes. The sword is Holofernes' own sword. Her maid looks on.

Goya was already in his seventies when he painted this episode on a wall of his farm "la Quinta del Sordo", "deaf man's farm". The name referred to a previous owner and not to Goya, who also was deaf.

It was part of a series of fourteen dark paintings that the artist made in complete artistic liberty, not under pressure of any commission.

In 1873 the paintings were transfered to canvas. In the process much of the paint was damaged.

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