Artwork

Judith with the Head of Holofernes

Judith with the Head of Holofernes, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628
Judith with the Head of Holofernes, by Jacques Callot, ink, 1628

Judith with the Head of Holofernes is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Judith with the Head of Holofernes is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1628. The print depicts a biblical scene in a detailed landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows Judith holding the severed head of Holofernes, accompanied by a servant. A Latin inscription below the image quotes a biblical phrase about divine empowerment, suggesting the scene represents a triumph achieved through cunning.

Technique & Style

Callot employed sharp lines and strong contrasts between light and dark to create the dramatic scene. The use of etching allowed for detailed textures and shading, evident in the figures' robes and the dark background.

Context

As a French Baroque printmaker, Callot often documented contemporary scenes and religious narratives. Judith with the Head of Holofernes reflects his interest in representing significant stories of the time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.