This 12×18 pen and ink drawing was started by me as an effort to draw an erotic concept piece that a friend suggested. Early in the sketch I started thinking about the many classical pieces I had seen of Judith and Holofernes, and decided I needed to profane that heritage with my own take on the subject.
For those not familiar with the biblical tale:
The story of Judith and Holofernes is a biblical tale found in the Book of Judith, which is considered part of the deuterocanonical books in some Christian traditions and classified as apocryphal in others. It is not included in the Hebrew Bible but is found in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Old Testaments.
Background: The story is set during the time of the Assyrian invasion of Israel. Holofernes, a powerful Assyrian general, besieges the city of Bethulia, a fictional town that represents the Jewish people. The siege threatens the city with starvation and destruction.
Characters:
- Judith: She is the heroine of the story, a devout Jewish widow from the town of Bethulia. Judith is known for her beauty, wisdom, and courage.
- Holofernes: He is the commander of the Assyrian army, a ruthless and arrogant leader determined to conquer Bethulia.
Plot Summary:
- The Siege of Bethulia: Holofernes and his army lay siege to Bethulia, cutting off its water supply and surrounding the city. The people of Bethulia, led by their elders, are desperate and on the verge of surrender.
- Judith’s Plan: Feeling compelled to act, Judith devises a bold plan to save her people. She dresses herself in her finest garments and leaves the city, claiming she intends to negotiate with Holofernes.
- Meeting with Holofernes: Judith gains access to Holofernes’ camp and wins his trust with her beauty and charm. Over several days, she dines with him and gains his favor.
- The Deception: On the fourth night of their meeting, Holofernes becomes drunk and falls asleep. Seizing the opportunity, Judith takes Holofernes’ sword and decapitates him while he sleeps.
- Escape: Judith escapes from the Assyrian camp with Holofernes’ head concealed in a sack, returning triumphantly to Bethulia.
- Victory: Judith presents Holofernes’ head to the leaders of Bethulia, inspiring the Jewish soldiers to launch a surprise attack on the Assyrian camp. The Assyrians, shocked by the death of their leader, flee in disarray, and Bethulia is saved.
Themes:
- Faith and Courage: Judith’s actions are driven by her faith in God and her love for her people. Despite the danger, she courageously risks her life to save her city.
- Deception and Strategy: Judith’s deception of Holofernes is a central theme of the story. Her cunning and strategic thinking are essential to the success of her plan.
- Divine Deliverance: The story highlights the belief in divine intervention and the idea that God works through individuals to achieve His purposes. Judith is seen as an instrument of God’s deliverance for the Jewish people.
The story of Judith and Holofernes has been depicted in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and literature, and it continues to be studied and interpreted for its moral and religious significance.
