Who painted Judit with the Head of Holofernes?

Judit with the Head of Holofernes was painted by Sandro Botticelli in 1500.

Where can I see Judit with the Head of Holofernes?

Judit with the Head of Holofernes is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Judit with the Head of Holofernes?

Judit with the Head of Holofernes is associated with Early Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Judit with the Head of Holofernes?

Museum-quality prints of Judit with the Head of Holofernes are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Judit with the Head of Holofernes

Sandro Botticelli , 1500

Judit with the Head of Holofernes is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1500, this oil on panel by Sandro Botticelli portrays the biblical heroine Judith clutching the severed head of Holofernes. The work is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and exemplifies the artist’s late‑career interest in dramatic narrative subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the moment after Judith has beheaded the Assyrian general Holofernes, a scene drawn from the deuterocanonical Book of Judith. By presenting the victorious heroine with the fallen foe’s head, the painting underscores themes of virtue, divine justice, and the triumph of the weak over tyrannical power.

Technique & Style

Botticelli employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, with a focused light source illuminating Judith’s face and the gruesome trophy while casting deep shadows on the opposite side. Thin, translucent layers of pigment build the luminous flesh tones and the rich reds of her cloak, creating a subtle modeling of form that heightens the emotional intensity.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings in the 19th century, having previously been part of several private collections in Italy and the Low Countries. Its attribution to Botticelli was confirmed through stylistic analysis and archival documentation linking the work to the artist’s Florentine workshop.

Context

In the early 16th century, depictions of Judith became popular in Florentine art as moral exemplars during a period of political turbulence. Botticelli’s treatment reflects contemporary interest in dramatic, morally charged subjects, aligning with the broader Renaissance trend toward heightened realism and emotional expression.