Judith Beheading Holofernes
ca 1609-1610
Peter Paul Rubens captures the ultimate Baroque moment of high drama in this intense sketch of Judith beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. You can almost feel the violent struggle as Judith raises her sword high, her body twisting with effort while Holofernes writhes beneath her. Created around 1609, this energetic drawing was likely a preparatory study for one of his famous, larger-than-life oil paintings on the same biblical theme. Rubens was a master at making his figures look like they were bursting with raw, physical energy, and this quick, expressive sketch proves he didn't need a finished canvas to deliver a knockout punch of emotion.
Views: 5