Judit onthoofdt Holofernes c. 1547 - 1559

Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert created this print, titled "Judith Beheading Holofernes," using engraving techniques. The composition is dominated by contrasting diagonals: Holofernes reclines from upper left to lower right, while Judith raises her sword in a counter-diagonal from lower right to upper left, creating a dynamic tension. Coornhert meticulously renders textures, from the soft, fleshy forms of the figures to the rich fabrics, using a complex system of cross-hatching. The high level of detail invites us to explore the emotional intensity of the scene, as Judith's determined expression contrasts with Holofernes's vulnerability. The image speaks to the period's fascination with classical forms and dramatic narratives, and how the graphic medium of engraving facilitated the wide dissemination of such images. The dense network of lines functions not just representationally but also as a structural element that reinforces the scene’s drama and moral weight.