CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

The Death of Holofernes

1531
Oil and tempera on limewood, 98 x 76 cm
Schlossmuseum, Gotha

Cranach often portrayed Judith as a single figure with the severed head of her adversary, the narrative cycle from Gotha is unique in his work. The first panel shows Holofernes entertaining his guest, while on the second panel Judith's maid takes his severed head and hides it in a sack.