Judith was painted by Jan Matsys.

Where can I see Judith?

Judith is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is Judith?

Judith is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Judith?

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

Artwork

Judith

Jan Matsys

Judith is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jan Matsys. It is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This imagery serves as a powerful symbol of virtue overcoming tyranny and the deliverance of her people.

The painting depicts the biblical narrative of Judith and Holofernes, a central theme in religious art. The composition focuses on the figure of Judith, who is shown with the beheaded head of Holofernes, illustrating the moment of her triumph over the Assyrian general. This imagery serves as a powerful symbol of virtue overcoming tyranny and the deliverance of her people.

As a work of religious art, the piece emphasizes the dramatic and moral dimensions of the story through its visual representation of the heroine and her grisly trophy.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on a panel support. It measures 115 cm in height and 80.5 cm in width. The composition depicts the biblical narrative of Judith and Holofernes, specifically featuring the beheaded head of Holofernes as a central subject. Stylistically, the piece is classified within the religious art genre.

History & Provenance

The painting Judith by Jan Matsys is dated to either 1560 or 1600 according to available records. Executed in oil on panel, the work depicts the biblical scene of Judith with the beheaded head of Holofernes. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp currently holds the piece as part of the Vlaamse Kunstcollectie.

Historical ownership records indicate that the work was previously owned by Edouard Otlet before entering the museum's collection. The dimensions of the panel measure 115 cm in height and 80.5 cm in width.

The painting Judith by Jan Matsys is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, which is part of the Flemish Art Collection. Created around 1600, the oil-on-panel work depicts the biblical figure Judith with the severed head of Holofernes. Historical records indicate the piece was once owned by Edouard Otlet before entering the museum's holdings.

The provided sources do not contain specific inventory numbers or a detailed history of public exhibitions for this artwork.

Overview

Jan Matsys, a mid‑16th‑century Flemish painter, created an oil work titled Judith around 1600. The composition centers on the biblical heroine holding the severed head of Holofernes, rendered in a dramatic, low‑key setting. The painting belongs to the Flemish Baroque tradition and is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s collection.