Judith Beheading Holofernes

Caravaggio 1573 – 1610

oil on canvas (145 × 195 cm) — ca. 1599
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome


Clearly drawn figures mark this horrible scene. The servant holds the bag as Judith cuts off the head of Holofernes, the leader of the enemy troops.
In an earlier version, Judith's breasts were visible. Caravaggio later added the blouse.
Caravaggio made several other paintings showing decapitations.