Judith met het hoofd van Holofernes 1524 - 1540

This is Parmigianino's "Judith with the Head of Holofernes," a sixteenth-century etching notable for its sophisticated use of line and form. The composition strikes you first with Judith, sword held high, her figure dominating the small space. Notice how Parmigianino uses etching lines not just to depict form, but to create areas of contrasting texture and tone. Look at the difference between the smooth, almost luminous skin of Judith, achieved through delicate, sparse lines, and the dense, cross-hatched darkness enveloping the background. The etching exemplifies the Mannerist style's elegant artificiality through the exaggerated contrapposto pose and the stylized drapery that clings to Judith’s body. Here, the lines almost seem to dance, creating a dynamic tension. The sword is a critical element too, contrasting with Judith's calm demeanor and destabilizing any fixed understanding of power. Ultimately, the controlled chaos of lines encourages you to look beyond the biblical story, and consider the complex interplay between aesthetics, violence, and representation in Parmigianino’s work.