Judith with the Head of Holofernes (Mantegna, Washington)

This refers to a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna, currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It depicts the biblical figure of Judith holding the severed head of Holofernes, an Assyrian general. The subject matter is derived from the Book of Judith, a deuterocanonical book of the Bible which recounts Judith's courageous act of saving her city by seducing and then beheading Holofernes.

Mantegna's painting showcases a specific interpretation of this biblical scene. While the biblical account focuses on Judith's piety and courage, Mantegna's rendition often emphasizes the triumphal aspect of the event and the graphic nature of the beheading. The composition, color palette, and rendering of textures contribute to the overall aesthetic and thematic interpretation of the work. The painting is noted for its meticulous detail, characteristic of Mantegna's style, and its representation of the figures and objects with a certain sculptural quality. It's an important work within Mantegna's oeuvre and demonstrates his mastery of perspective, anatomy, and dramatic storytelling. Its provenance and reception history also contribute to its significance within the broader context of Renaissance art history.