Judith and Holofernes
Lucas Cranach the Elder presents a surprisingly calm Judith in this Northern Renaissance masterpiece, casually holding the severed head of Holofernes by his curly hair while gripping a bloody sword. Dressed in the height of 16th-century German fashion with a feathered hat, slashed sleeves, and heavy gold chains, she looks more like a wealthy noblewoman than a biblical heroine. The stark black background makes her pale skin and the gruesome trophy pop, perfectly capturing Cranach's signature style of mixing violent biblical tales with contemporary, fashionable portraits that appealed to his wealthy patrons.
Views: 1