Judith og Holofernes 1600

This engraving by Jan Saenredam depicts the biblical story of Judith beheading Holofernes. The dominant image here is the severed head, which is the ultimate symbol of power overthrown, of female cunning triumphing over male aggression. The motif of the severed head carries a potent, almost primal charge. We see it echoed through time. Think of Medusa, whose gaze turns men to stone, or John the Baptist, his head presented to Salome. There’s a dark fascination, a horror, and a certain allure that keeps this symbol alive. It represents not just death, but a pivotal, transformative moment. In Saenredam’s image, the cool detachment of Judith contrasts sharply with the brutal act. The head, held aloft, becomes a symbol of liberation, a potent reminder of the precarious nature of power. It's this emotional tension, this dance between horror and heroism, that captures our attention and draws us into the eternal cycle of destruction and renewal.