Judith Beheading Holofernes | Caravaggio | 1598

"Judith Beheading Holofernes" by Caravaggio, painted in 1598, is a masterful depiction of the biblical story where Judith, a Jewish widow, heroically decapitates the Assyrian general Holofernes to save her people. Caravaggio's use of tenebrism—the stark contrast between light and shadow—dramatically highlights the intense moment of the beheading, focusing on the figures' expressions and the action's physicality. Judith's face is composed and resolute, contrasting sharply with Holofernes' agony and horror. The painting's realism, from the depiction of blood to the textures of the fabrics and the physical strain shown in Judith's arms and Holofernes' body, showcases Caravaggio's skill in capturing human emotion and the brutality of the scene. This work is renowned for its emotional depth, technical sophistication, and its stark portrayal of violence and courage, cementing Caravaggio's reputation as a pivotal figure in the Baroque art movement.