Judith and Holofernes 1645

Abraham Bosse's etching "Judith and Holofernes" (1645) depicts the biblical heroine Judith holding aloft the severed head of Holofernes, the Assyrian general. This dramatic scene exemplifies Judith's bravery and cunning, as she single-handedly saved her people from invasion. The inscription, "La Femme Forte" (The Strong Woman), reinforces Judith's strength and courage. This artwork, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was originally published in Paris and showcases Bosse's masterful use of line and shadow to create a powerful and memorable image.