Judith with the Head of Holofernes Poster

This powerful Baroque painting depicts the biblical heroine Judith immediately after beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes, a story from the Book of Judith. Rubens captures the dramatic moment with intense emotion and dynamic composition. Judith’s youthful face is illuminated with a mix of determination and subtle revulsion, while her maidservant looks on with awe and horror. The severed head of Holofernes dangles grotesquely, grounding the scene in its brutal reality. Rubens’s portrayal is noteable for blending violence with sensuality, emphasising Judith’s role as both a courageous saviour and a seductive figure. The painting explores themes of feminine power, courage, and the complex interplay of beauty and violence.