On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00391
- Author
- Tintoretto, Jacopo Robusti (Italian)
- Title
- Judith and Holofernes
- Chronology
- Ca. 1577
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 188 cm x 251 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Traditionally catalogued as a work
from Tintoretto's youth, the dating
of this painting has been moved to
the late fifteen-seventies by
recent studies. The artist draws on
the Bible story (Judith 13, 9-11)
but his reading of the subject is
not erotic. Here, Judith wears her
finest clothing to seduce
Holofernes, rather than appearing
nude, as was habitual in Italian
Renaissance art.
The action takes place in the tent
of an Assyrian general and the
painter has meticulously recreated
its interior, carefully reproducing
the quality of the metal and glass
objects therein.
Judith is at the center of the
composition, and the bloody sword
she used to decapitate Holofernes
and thus free the Jewish people
from his tyranny lies at her feet.
The cadaver lies on a bed to her
left, while a maid gets ready to
put his head in a sack.
The scene was clearly intended to
be hung above eye-level, which
explains the pronounced scorzos of
the bodies of Holofernes and the
servant, as well as the strange
perspective of the bed and
table.
This work belonged to the Marquis
of la Ensenada and was acquired in
1760 for the Royal Collection. It
is listed in the 1772 inventory of
the Royal Palace.
Location on the map
