Judith with the Head of Holofernes 1580 - 1590

Hendrick Goltzius's "Judith with the Head of Holofernes" (1580-1590) is a striking engraving that portrays a pivotal moment from the biblical story of Judith. The print depicts Judith, a young widow, holding the severed head of Holofernes, the Assyrian general she has just slain, in a dramatic pose that emphasizes her strength and courage. Goltzius, a master of the engraver's art, uses intricate lines and dramatic contrasts to depict the scene, making it a powerful and memorable example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. The circular format, reminiscent of a medallion, adds to the sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the scene.