Judith met het hoofd van Holofernes 1586 - 1590

Here is a drawing by Hendrick Goltzius, made with pen and brown ink, heightened with white, on paper. The composition is dominated by Judith, centrally placed, as the primary visual element. Goltzius skillfully utilizes the technique of chiaroscuro to model Judith's form. It guides our eyes across the scene, highlighting the stark contrast between light and shadow. The artist uses diagonal lines of shadow to accentuate the folds of Judith's dress and the grimace on Holofernes's face. This not only adds depth but also emphasizes the dramatic tension of the narrative. The lines in the background create an almost surreal stage-like atmosphere, further isolating her triumph from the common space. In this theatrical presentation, Goltzius invites us to consider how Judith's act defies expectations. The drawing challenges fixed notions of power, representation and space.