Judith c. 19th century

Curator: Immediately, I'm struck by the intimacy of this scene, despite its gruesome subject matter. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is Alphonse Leroy's "Judith," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts the biblical Judith with the head of Holofernes. Curator: The contrast between Judith's delicate features and the severed head is incredibly potent. It's a classic symbol of feminine power and resistance against oppression. Editor: Absolutely, and within the historical context, we see how the figure of Judith was adopted as a symbol of civic virtue, particularly during times of political upheaval. Curator: The symbol of Judith transcends simple acts of violence; it embodies courage and faith against overwhelming odds. Editor: It is a potent illustration of a turning point in history, rendered with remarkable nuance. Curator: It definitely offers a lot to reflect on, doesn't it?