Judith and Her Maid Putting the Head of Holofernes into a Bag 1498 - 1531

Hans Burgkmair created this woodcut, titled "Judith and Her Maid Putting the Head of Holofernes into a Bag", during the early 16th century. This stark black and white print depicts Judith, a biblical heroine, accompanied by her maidservant, carefully placing the severed head of Holofernes, an Assyrian general, into a bag. Burgkmair subtly draws attention to Judith’s strength and determination, framing her as a protector of her people. The image reflects the anxieties and concerns of its time, with the artist using a biblical story to reflect on the themes of power, gender, and salvation. It is impossible to ignore the emotional weight of this scene, as Judith's act can be seen as both heroic and gruesome. This artwork invites us to think about the complex intersections of gender, power, and violence in the historical narrative.