DONATELLO
(b. ca. 1386, Firenze, d. 1466, Firenze)

Judith and Holofernes (detail)

1455-60
Bronze
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

The head of Judith is worked in a carefully accentuated contrast with the materiality of her cape and the garment, which is covered with figural ornaments. Her facial features are graceful and gentle, and present us with a credible depiction of the beauty of the virtuous heroine. At the same time, however, the inner conflict which she has had to experience is conveyed, for in order to save her people she has had to behead Holofernes, the leader of the enemy army.




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