Artemisia Gentileschi painted Judith Slaying Holofernes during 1614-1620. It is oil on canvas and found in Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence. The painting could be considered as "dark" subject matter which Caravaggio favored. The significance of this portrait is the narration involving a heroic woman. It was favorite theme of Artemisia Gentileschi. The story depicted in the painting is from the book of Judith which relates to the delivery of Israel from the Assyrians. The Assyrian general Holofernes was capitulated by Judith's charm and invited her inside his tent for the night. Along with the help of her maidservant, Judith beheaded Holofernes when he was sleeping. The sword was substantial because it required entire strength of two women to wield. Blood streams are running from the bed sheet and to the floor while the women are cutting off Holofernes' head and the struggle through the slaying is perceivable in the hand movement of Holofermes. The contradiction between red bed cover and pure white bed sheet shows the cruelty of the scene. Tension is tangible within the atmosphere and through the expression of Judith and maidservant. Also the drama is heighten through the highlighting on the major action. The immediate contrasts of light and dark exhibits the effect of dramatization. The artist's unique portrayal of Judith is inconsistent to portraits of other artists, but the incorporation of drama, lighting, and coloring is typical of the Italian Baroque period.
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