Plate 23: Judith and Holofernes, from 'The Battles of the Old Testament' 1585 - 1615

Antonio Tempesta created this print, Plate 23: Judith and Holofernes, from 'The Battles of the Old Testament', using engraving. The composition is organized to convey both the intimate drama within Holofernes' tent and the chaos of the surrounding battlefield. Tempesta uses contrasting light and shadow to heighten the scene's emotional intensity. Judith stands as a central figure, framed by the tent's opening. The lines are dense, creating a sense of depth and texture that emphasizes the grimness of the act. The bodies, the tent, and the distant fires create a scene of both victory and destruction. Tempesta uses diagonal lines to suggest movement and instability, which contrast with Judith's firm stance. This print invites viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between violence, virtue, and narrative.