Judith and Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi 1620-21
This scene was based upon the assassination of the Assyrian general Holofernes. The story tells of a brave heroine, Judith along with her maidservant, who was able to defeat him and behead him to save her town. I prefer Gentileschi's painting over Caravaggio's because hers was more realistic. Women in art were underrepresented during this time, and the painting displays the power women had. In the story, Judith dressed up to catch the general's eye and was able to cross over into the enemy's territory as it seemed she was betraying her own town. However, the general did not expect Judith and her servant to attack him as he became drunk. The force that is being used in the painting can almost be felt, compared to Caravaggio's painting that makes Judith appear dainty and weak. In Gentileschi's painting you can see how both women are holding him down and how the head is being dislocated. You can see how Holofernes was struggling and the size of his fist compared to the maid's face shows how much bigger he was and why both women needed to work together. Overall, I love the message of the painting that demonstrates women are powerful.
Giselle M.
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