Judith with the Head of Holofernes

Massimo Stanzione

ca. 1640 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

Stanzione’s work was influenced by the paintings of Jusepe de Ribera, notable in the rough textures and dark palette, and Guido Reni, whose compositional elegance is found here. This canvas depicts the biblical Jewish heroine Judith, who bravely went to the camp of the besieging Assyrians, fooled the enemy general Holofernes into a drunken state, and cut off his head. An emblem of virtue, she is accompanied by a servant and displays her trophy, while her gaze is turned toward heaven.

Artist

Massimo Stanzione

Date

ca. 1640

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Gift of Edward W. Carter, 1959