Who painted Judith with the Head of Holofernes?

Judith with the Head of Holofernes was painted by Felice Ficherelli in 1665.

Where can I see Judith with the Head of Holofernes?

Judith with the Head of Holofernes is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Judith with the Head of Holofernes?

Judith with the Head of Holofernes is associated with High Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Judith with the Head of Holofernes?

Museum-quality prints of Judith with the Head of Holofernes are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Judith with the Head of Holofernes

Felice Ficherelli , 1665

Judith with the Head of Holofernes is an oil painting by the High Baroque Italian artist Felice Ficherelli. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Felice Ficherelli's 1665 oil painting, Judith with the Head of Holofernes, is a religious work depicting the biblical figure Judith. It is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Judith, a woman of determination, holding a sword and the severed head of Holofernes, symbolizing her heroic act from the biblical narrative. A secondary female figure stands behind her, set against a dark backdrop.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work features visible brushstrokes and textured elements. Ficherelli employed chiaroscuro, with a left-sided light source, creating a dramatic contrast between light and dark areas of the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1665, the painting's history prior to its acquisition by the Art Institute of Chicago is not detailed here. It is currently held in the institute's collection.

Context

The work reflects the 17th-century European interest in depicting strong biblical female figures and the artistic trends of the time, including the use of dramatic lighting effects.