Judith Decapitating Holofernes
1511-74
Giorgio Vasari, the man who basically invented art history by writing biographies of his peers, captured this gruesome biblical moment with frantic energy. You can see Judith raising her sword high to finish off the general Holofernes, while a winged figure stands by holding a sword, perhaps acting as divine backup. The sketchy, brown ink lines give the scene a sense of urgent motion, typical of the Mannerist style that loved drama and twisted poses over calm balance. It feels less like a polished final piece and more like a chaotic snapshot of a divine assassination, likely a rapid study for one of his grand frescoes.
- Technique
- Pen and brown ink with wash
- Material
- Paper
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