head and torso of woman with head turned to PR, holding short sword in her PR hand and holding Holofernes' severed head by the hair in her PL hand; small window with column and grasses visible through opening, ULC

Judith, c. 1525-1527

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Judith is so opulently dressed, it is tempting to see Holofernes' head as another accessory. Indeed, the frame can barely contain her commanding presence, punctuated with the symbols of power: heavy chain, fur collar, and frontal pose. Collectors of Barthel Beham's engravings craved such minute, virtuosic details. Even more entertaining for connoisseurs, however, may have been the look of terror on Holofernes' disembodied head, apparently reacting to Judith's weapon even in death.

Details
Title
Judith
Artist Life
1502–1540
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2009.19.6
Provenance
Princes of Waldburg-Wolfegg, Wolfegg (Lugt 2542), by 1902 (probably much earlier); sold to C.G. Boerner, New York, c. 2007
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 4; Bartsch 4
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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head and torso of woman with head turned to PR, holding short sword in her PR hand and holding Holofernes' severed head by the hair in her PL hand; small window with column and grasses visible through opening, ULC