Painting #A12 - Judith Beheading Holofernes

Re a Biblical story in which young and beautiful widow Judith gave up her chastity in order to get close to and kill Holofernes, the commander of the invaders.

[LEFT] Judith Beheading Holofernes
- Caravaggio (1571–1610, Italian)
- Oil on canvas (145 x 195 cm) in 1598-1599
- Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (Rome)

[RIGHT] Judith Slaying Holofernes
- Gentileschi (1593-1656, Italian)
- Oil on canvas (199 x 162 cm) in 1614-1620
- Galleria degli Uffizi (Florence)

In Caravaggio's version, the beheading seems effortless, in stark contrast to Gentileschi's depictions.