Judith decapitando a holofernes caravaggio biography

Biblical episode and artistic theme

For other uses, see Judith and Holofernes.

The account of the beheading of Holofernes by Judith is given in the deuterocanonicalBook of Judith, and is the subject of many paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

In the story, Judith, a beautiful widow, is able to enter the tent of Holofernes because of his desire for her.

Judith decapitando a holofernes caravaggio biography pdf

Holofernes was an Assyrian general who was about to destroy Judith's home, the city of Bethulia. Overcome with drink, he passes out and is decapitated by Judith; his head is taken away in a basket (often depicted as being carried by an elderly female servant).

Artists have mainly chosen one of two possible scenes (with or without the servant): the decapitation, with Holofernes supine on the bed, or the heroine holding or carrying the head, often assisted by her maid.

In European art, Judith is very often accompanied by her maid at her shoulder, which helps to dist