Artwork
Judith with the head of Holofernes and a servant
Judith with the head of Holofernes and a servant is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1530 painting on lime panel by Lucas Cranach the Elder portrays a pivotal moment from the biblical story of Judith. The work is part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Judith, dressed in red, holding the severed head of Holofernes by the hair, alongside her servant, attired in green. The servant's downward gaze contrasts with Judith's resolute pose, capturing the somber aftermath of the beheading.
Technique & Style
Against a dark, muted background, the figures are defined by their vibrant, color-coordinated attire (red and green) accented with white collars and matching necklaces. The use of lime panel as the medium contributes to the work's distinct texture and visual depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1530, the painting is a product of Cranach's mature period. Its current location at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna reflects its status as a significant work of Northern Renaissance art.
Context
The subject matter, drawn from the Apocrypha, was popular during the Renaissance, symbolizing female courage and divine justice. Cranach's interpretation brings a characteristic Northern European solemnity to the narrative.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas Cranach the Elder was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and engraving.
