Judith

The Judith of this painting is powerful and strong, but even after her murderous deed a touch of gentleness remains in her eyes. In the painting we see the tendency to psychological interpretation that was to become a feature of 19th-century art. The artist seeks to convey the message of the Biblical story in Judith's facial expression, making this the overall statement.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 17 minutes): Alessandro Scarlatti: La Giuditta, oratorio, Part I (excerpts)