Botticelli ca. 1445 – 1510

Judith Holding Holofernes' Head

oil and tempera on panel (37 × 20 cm) — 1495-1500 Museum Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Botticelli biography

This work is linked to Judith 13:9

Judith and her servant leave the tent of the enemy warlord Holofernes. The pious widow had used her good looks to deceive the warlord, in order to eliminate the man whose troops were beseiging her city.

Technically, this is a sub-standard work by Botticelli. Compare it with this older version. Judith's torso seems to long while her head is too small.

When he made this panel, Botticelli had become a supporter of the reform movement led by Savonarola.

Tags: Judith with Holofernes' Head

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  • Anonymous: Holofernes' Head into the Bag
  • Anonymous: Judith Shows Holofernes' Head to the Bethulians
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  • Titian: Judith with the Head of Holofernes
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