Art Funded by you

Judith with the Head of Holofernes

Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1530

Lucas Cranach the Elder, Judith with the Head of Holofernes, 1530, Burrell Collection, Art Funded 1995

The Bible relates how Judith saved her people in a war with the Assyrians by seducing their general Holofernes and cutting off his head.

Cranach portrays Judith as a wise and self-assured woman, elegantly clad and holding the blood-stained sword in a restrained but triumphant manner. She wears contemporary dress; and the landscape visible in the distance contains buildings consistent with Cranach's own surroundings. This picture is treated like a portrait rather than a history painting.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Judith with the Head of Holofernes, 1530

Date supported

1995

Medium and material

Oil on panel

Dimensions

76.7 x 55.8 cm

Grant

50000

Total cost

314663

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