An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Judith with the Head of Holofernesc. 1635-50
Artist: Pietro della Vecchia
Italian (Venice), 1602 - 1678
Judith and head of Holofernes Judith and her maid servant put the head in a sack
28 3/4 x 49 1/2 in. (73.03 x 125.73 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
17th century
The John R. Van Derlip Fund
In the quiet moments before dawn, when the first light gossips with the horizon, Judith gazes up towards the sky, searching for solace and guidance among the stars. Her heart beats steadily in the stillness, a mix of valor and vulnerability coursing through her veins. Beside her stands Abra, her loyal maid, and together they attend to a somber task that speaks volumes of courage and consequence.
They gently wrap the massive, bearded head of Holofernes in a cloth, stained deep crimson—an emblem of the fierce battle that has just transpired. The remnants of his reign linger in the air, yet it is this very moment that defines their victory. Judith's fingers tremble slightly as she handles the heavy fabric, for within it lies the weight of their struggle and triumph.
To the right, Holofernes’s once-mighty helmet gleams, now abandoned; an empty shell that holds the echoes of a powerful general. In this still life, each object tells a story, each shadow a whisper of the past. It is clear that Judith’s act is not simply one of violence, but of defiance against tyranny.
The artist, Pietro della Vecchia, whose brush captures this poignant scene, draws inspiration from the great Caravaggio. He blends the dramatic chiaroscuro that Caravaggio masterfully wielded, imbuing the painting with a life-like intensity that echoes through the ages. Yet, dallied within the strokes are traces of centuries past, hinting at Venetian artists like Giorgione and Palma Vecchio. The soft, understated proportions of Judith and Abra mirror the elegance of these historical figures—each face a canvas of antiquity, filled with emotions steeped in time.
In this moment of peace, Judith stands tall, her spirit illuminated by the morning light, a beacon of hope emerging from the shadows of strife. As the dawn breaks, the story encapsulated within this frame stirs, whispering to all who gaze upon it: a reminder of the intricate dance of courage, loyalty, and artistry that defines the human experience.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.