Judith with the head of Holofernes in her left hand and a sword in her right hand, accompanied by a female attendant, from a series of four Old Testament subjects 1606

Oliviero Gatti created this print, “Judith with the head of Holofernes,” around 1606, using etching and engraving. The oval composition presents a tight cluster of figures, dominated by Judith, her maidservant, and the severed head of Holofernes. The contrasting textures and patterns, achieved through dense cross-hatching, create a visual tension. Note how Gatti uses line and shadow to convey the weight of the head, and the steely glint of the sword. Judith's gaze is averted, hinting at the psychological weight of her act. This print invites us to consider not only the narrative of Judith, but also the formal elements through which Gatti constructs meaning. The artist uses contrasting textures and dramatic light and shadow, reflecting a broader artistic concern with the representation of strong emotion, challenging viewers to engage with the complexities of the image.