jan 1, 1912 - Judith Slaying Holofernes | Artemisia Gentileschi

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Artemisia Lomi or Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1656) was an Italian Baroque painter. She is considered among the most accomplished 17th century artists, initially working in the style of Caravaggio. She was the first woman to become a member of the Accademia di Arte del Disegno. Many of Gentileschi's paintings feature women from myths, allegories, and the Bible.
This painting is another one of the few depicting the moment of decapitation. It was made in 1612-1613. Holofernes is lying on the bed, the sword deep in his neck. This time the servant is young and not cripple, hovering above the scene from behind, face concerned, Judith is wearing a determined expression. It shows the two young women working together to slay the general. The painting is directly inspired from Caravggio’s. Some critics interpreted the painting as a form of visual revenge following Gentileschi's rape by Agostino Tassi in 1611. Because of its graphicness and provocativeness it was very controversial at the time and received strong reactions.

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