The Reclining Headless Body of Holoferne 1625 - 1640

"The Reclining Headless Body of Holoferne" is a charcoal drawing on paper by Italian Baroque artist Guido Reni. It depicts the body of Holoferne, a biblical figure who was beheaded by Judith. This powerful study, created sometime between 1625 and 1640, showcases Reni's mastery of anatomy and the human form. The dramatic foreshortening and the use of light and shadow contribute to the sense of realism and tragedy. This drawing likely served as a preparatory study for one of Reni's larger paintings, highlighting the importance of careful observation and anatomical accuracy in his artistic process.