Judith & Holifer 

Horace Vernet painted 'Judith and Holofernes' using oil on canvas. Here, the smooth application of paint gives a glossy finish to the scene. The fabrics drape elegantly, and there is a sense of heightened realism, which was partly achieved by the availability of pre-mixed paints in tubes. A fairly recent invention at the time, this allowed artists to work more efficiently in their studios, and freed them up to create larger works, faster. The subject of this painting, Judith, is also interesting to consider in the context of labor. She is portrayed not as a mythological figure but as a real, determined woman taking action. The violence inherent in this scene is somewhat softened by the rich, decorative fabrics, blurring the line between fine art and the more everyday crafts of weaving and textile production. Looking closely at the material qualities and techniques used to create this painting, alongside the figures depicted, highlights the complex relationship between art, labor, and social context.