Judith med Holofernes' hoved 1783 - 1787

This is Elisabeth Le Moine's rendition of 'Judith med Holofernes' hoved' rendered on plate. The composition centres on Judith holding the severed head of Holofernes, a symbol of victory, yet tinged with the grim consequences of war. Consider the recurring motif of the severed head throughout history: from Medusa in ancient Greek lore to John the Baptist in Christian art. In each instance, the head serves as a potent emblem, evoking themes of triumph, sacrifice, and the darker aspects of human nature. The juxtaposition of Judith's serene countenance with the grotesque head of Holofernes reveals a psychological tension—a visual representation of the internal conflict between duty and violence. This motif is not merely a historical artifact; it is a recurring nightmare, resurfacing in various guises throughout the ages. It invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of history and the human psyche's propensity for violence.