Judith with the Head of Holofernes

ca. 1640
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 620
Stanzione’s work was influenced by the paintings of Jusepe de Ribera, notable in the rough textures and dark palette, and Guido Reni, whose compositional elegance is found here. This canvas depicts the biblical Jewish heroine Judith, who bravely went to the camp of the besieging Assyrians, fooled the enemy general Holofernes into a drunken state, and cut off his head. An emblem of virtue, she is accompanied by a servant and displays her trophy, while her gaze is turned toward heaven.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Judith with the Head of Holofernes
  • Artist: Massimo Stanzione (Italian, Neapolitan, 1585–1656)
  • Date: ca. 1640
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 78 1/2 x 57 1/2 in. (199.4 x 146.1 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward W. Carter, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.40
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.