Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of HolofernesArtemisia Gentileschi (Italian; 1593–1654 or l

Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of HolofernesArtemisia Gentileschi (Italian; 1593–1654 or later)ca. 1623–25Oil on canvasDetroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MichiganWhen all had departed, and no one, small or great, was left in the bedchamber, Judith stood by Holofernes’ bed and prayed silently, “O Lord, God of all might, in this hour look graciously on the work of my hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem. Now is the time for aiding your heritage and for carrying out my design to shatter the enemies who have risen against us.” She went to the bedpost near the head of Holofernes, and taking his sword from it, she drew close to the bed, grasped the hair of his head, and said, “Strengthen me this day, Lord, God of Israel!” Then with all her might she struck his neck twice and cut off his head. She rolled his body off the bed and took the canopy from its posts. Soon afterward, she came out and handed over the head of Holofernes to her maid, who put it into her food bag. Then the two went out together for prayer as they were accustomed to do. (Judith: 13:4–10) -- source link

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