Judith with the Head of Holofernes c. 1665

Felice Ficherelli’s *Judith with the Head of Holofernes* (c. 1665) depicts the biblical heroine Judith, holding the severed head of the Assyrian general Holofernes. This Baroque painting, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Ficherelli’s mastery of color and light. Judith, adorned in a flowing blue gown, stands with a determined expression as she holds the head. The painting's dramatic lighting and use of chiaroscuro create a sense of both heroism and terror, highlighting the contrast between Judith's youthful beauty and the gruesome act she has committed.