Judit toont het hoofd van Holofernes aan het volk 1785 - 1836

"Judit toont het hoofd van Holofernes aan het volk" (Judith Shows the Head of Holofernes to the People) is an 18th-century engraving by Italian artist Antonio Ricciani, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The scene, inspired by the biblical story of Judith, depicts the moment Judith triumphantly displays the severed head of Holofernes, a general of the Assyrian army, to the Israelite people. The dynamic composition, with Judith standing atop a platform and the crowd looking on in awe, emphasizes the drama and triumph of the moment. Ricciani’s detailed portrayal of the figures and the surrounding environment captures the raw emotions of the scene, creating a powerful visual narrative. This engraving, measuring 590 mm in height and 965 mm in width, exemplifies the artistry and storytelling capabilities of 18th-century engraving.