Judith and Holofernes

Giorgione

Created:
Movement:
1504
High Renaissance
key Notes:
Renaissance chiaroscuro; Dramatic tension
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Dimensions:
144 cm × 148 cm
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Judith and Holofernes" by Giorgione, created in 1504, depicts the biblical story of Judith, a Jewish heroine who beheads the Assyrian general Holofernes to save her people, capturing a moment of serene triumph and moral complexity. The painting is noted for its atmospheric landscape and Giorgione's characteristic use of sfumato, which enhances the enigmatic and contemplative quality of the scene.

Description of the work:

Giorgione's "Judith and Holofernes," created in 1504, presents a serene yet powerful depiction of the biblical heroine Judith, standing with a sword in her right hand and the severed head of Holofernes at her feet, set against a lush, verdant landscape that exemplifies the Venetian Renaissance's emphasis on atmospheric perspective and naturalism. The composition is marked by its harmonious color palette and the delicate rendering of textures, particularly in Judith's flowing garments and the intricate details of the foliage, which together convey a sense of both grace and underlying tension.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Manually Sourced

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Judith and Holofernes