judith and her maidservant

Judith, whose name means simply "Jewish woman," is a rare Biblical heroine, in a story from the Apocrypha in the Bible, who took violent action to save her people. Gentileschi’s painting is muscular: The Biblical Judith and her maidservant bear down on their victim, the invading Assyrian general Holofernes, as Judith saws at his neck with a sword. Here she painted the aftermath, the escape complete with the separated head of Holofernes. The dramatic lighting, playing with the limited glow from the candle and dense shadows, builds tension in the scene. [6] Art historian E. P. Richardson points out that this painting might serve as somewhat of a self-portrait, as Judith's maidservant possesses physical qualities that match those of Gentileschi, herself. [6] It has been considered that the gender-based limitations of her Roman hometown, along with the absence of a mother for the majority of her life, assisted in Gentileschi's interest and focus on powerful female figures. Jesse M. Locker expresses this particular painting's definitive qualities that quintessentially represent the dramatization within baroque art. This inclusion of self-portraiture was common among a wide range of artists, like Titian, Michelangelo, and even Caravaggio. Details. [9] In the Middle Ages, Judith was often cast in the same light as the Virgin, comparing their similar triumphs of beheading characters that represented evil—Holofernes and the devil, respectively. We can offer Artemisia Gentileschi Judith And Her Maidservant Oil Painting on canvas, Framed art, Wall Art, Gallery Wrap and Stretched Canvas. Feminism/history* Goiter/history* History, 16th Century; History, 17th … [5] To the knowledge of historians, Gentileschi's patrons were all male. No printing or digital imaging techniques are used. This page was last edited on 8 March 2021, at 21:46. Gift of Mr. Leslie H. Green, 52.253. It was frowned upon for women to study the anatomical structures of nude models, especially as a virtuous unmarried woman. At first glance, Judith and her Maidservant looks like some domestic scene; women returning home after shopping or something. Judith and her Maidservant stand with their back towards the spectator, listening if anyone heard them. Pozzo, Saint Ignatius Chapel, Il Gesù. [8] The style of this composition is compared to Adam Elsheimer's Judith Slaying Holofernes, with the tenebristic lighting from the single candle and the drapery at the top corner of the canvas. Dixon, Susan M.; Cavazzini, Patrizia (2008). It was created by Artemisia Gentileschi in 1618. [7] Speculation from Elizabeth Cropper asserts that Gentileschi painted the feminine figures in a more heroic lighting, attributing characteristics of tragedy and sadness to these women, while also justifying their actions from an ethical standpoint. Judith and Her Maidservant, 1612-13 Palazzo Pitti, Florence: Salomon de Bray Judith Delivering the Head of Holofernes, 1636 . [5] Mythological symbols have been implemented in the decoration of Judith's armor, referencing the female war/hunting figures of Artemis, Athena and the Amazons. Judith and her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes. Italian Baroque Art. It was then purchased by Leslie H. Green in the same year of 1952 and gifted to the Detroit Institute of Arts in Michigan. Author information: (1)Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. [1], This Jewish narrative begins with the attempted siege of Bethulia, an Israelite city, by the Assyrian army, conquering their way to Jerusalem. [5], Much like her father, Gentileschi's style in the formative years of her career followed that of Caravaggio, mirroring his methods of dark shadows and overall execution. 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