Of the many, the first painting we look at is “Judith Slaying Holofernes” by Artemisia Gentileschi. This painting dates back to 1612-1613, however, it depicts a Biblical scene in which a bold woman, Judith, is determined to commit an act of violence, uncharacteristic of women during her time period. Painted by Artemisia, the most famous European female artist, she was a highly charged figure. After being raped by her father’s assistant artists, she vigorously painted a series of paintings as a reflection to her scream to the world that woman too can evoke power. Thus, she painted “Judith Slaying Holofernes” with much passion. Her unique portrayal of Judith used a style from the Baroque period, by using harsh contrasts in order to add a dramatic effect of viciousness and desire.
As you can see, two women are trying to cut off a man’s head on a bed. This painting is the famous Biblical assassination of which Judith, a Jewish lady, with her maid, Abra, slay Holofernes, the Assyrian general, in order to save her village. The story goes that she first got him drunk then got him to go to bed with her. Before he passed out, the two women get to work, and that is the scene Gentileschi decided to choose. Rather than choosing a scene of which Judith is carrying the severed head as a trophy, she decided to choose a scene in which Judith is in the thick of it, the carving blade still in his neck, and their bodies tangled. By choosing this scene, the killing isn’t pictured as a heroic deed. Contrary, the picture stresses the difficulties and strain of murder. With arms fully extended, sleeves rolled up, and face slightly averted; the two women try to stay out of the fight as far as possible. This suggests that murder is not glorious, but an ongoing business, never seeming to end.
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