Judith. (Studie efter skulptur) 1671 - 1738

Hendrik Krock made this red chalk drawing, Judith, as a study after a sculpture. It depicts the biblical figure Judith with the head of Holofernes. Made in Denmark during the late 17th and early 18th century, this work reflects the period's artistic and cultural values. At the time, the Danish Royal family were patrons of the arts, supporting artists and commissioning works that aligned with their interests and the dominant political ideologies. Krock himself was appointed court painter in 1706. The story of Judith was often interpreted as a tale of virtue and courage, but also as a warning against tyranny. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. To fully understand this drawing, we would need to research Krock's artistic training, the sculptural sources he drew upon, and the specific cultural and political context in which he worked. Art history helps us see how images like this participate in broader social and institutional narratives.