Judith holding the head of Holofernes and a sword, her maid behind her at right 1819

Mauro Gandolfi created this print, “Judith holding the head of Holofernes and a sword, her maid behind her at right,” sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. It reflects a time when the traditional roles and representations of women were being renegotiated. Judith, a biblical figure, is often celebrated as a heroine for her bravery and piety. Here, she stands with Holofernes’ head in hand. It is the moment of triumph, but Gandolfi’s composition complicates a straightforward reading of victory. We might consider the emotional weight of Judith’s act and the potential trauma, and how this might be intertwined with her identity as a woman. The presence of her maidservant implicates collaboration and shared risk in this act of defiance. This artwork invites us to consider the intersections of gender, power, and violence. Judith’s story, filtered through Gandolfi’s lens, prompts us to reflect on the strength, sacrifice, and complexities inherent in acts of resistance.