Holofernes

A general in service of Nebuchadnezzar. During the siege of city of Bethulia, the Hebrew widow Judith entered the enemy's camp and seduced Holofernes. She killed him while he was drunk, and cut off his head. She returned to Bethulia with the head, and the Hebrews defeated Holofernes' army.

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Iconography

The decapitation of Holofernes by Judith was a popular subject and has has been painted by Azor Masters, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Titian.

References

Source

  • Book of Judith.