Judith and Holofernes (Donatello)
Judith and Holofernes | |
---|---|
Artist | Donatello |
Year | 1457–1464 |
Type | Bronze |
Dimensions | 236 cm (93 in) |
Location | Palazzo Vecchio, Florence |
Judith and Holofernes (1457–1464)
It depicts the assassination of the Assyrian general
Background and description
The statue was commissioned by
Judith and Holofernes depicts Judith standing powerfully with a raised sword, holding the head of Holofernes by his hair. The statue was originally gilded; some gilding remains on the sword. To facilitate the gilding the bronze was cast in 11 parts. The base of the sculpture resembles a
Symbolism of Judith
Both
Interpretation
The anticipated slashing of the general's neck and overall notion of beheading is emphasized visually in the statue through Judith's intent gaze and strongly cocked arm wielding her blade ready to strike. In addition, carved into Holofernes' back is a medallion structured to appear to be hanging from his neck – historically known as a symbol of pride.[5] Many scholars believe that in this instance the necklace is direct symbolism of pride evidenced by Psalms 73:6, which states, "the wicked wear pride like a necklace and violence wraps them round."[6] It is also argued that the statue is meant to be viewed from the side rather than straight on. By viewing from an angle, the emphasis is on Holofernes' neck, flanked by both of Judith's legs underneath her garments, and is the center of attention as Judith pulls her arm back to strike. This would render the inscription "Behold the neck of pride served by the hand of humility" the most accurately depicted.[7]
It is believed that an inscription on the granite pedestal originally read, "Kingdoms fall through luxury [sin], cities rise through virtues. Behold the neck of pride severed by the hand of humility." This dramatic and detailed statue is thus a
The base of the sculpture contains some of the earliest Renaissance examples of putti and pueri mingentes, who are depicted treading grapes, drinking, and urinating.[8] The boys' indulgent drinking symbolizes Holofernes' lack of self-control, which ultimately leads to his death while drunk, and their urination symbolizes Holofernes' lust for Judith.[9]
Placement
In 1495, the sculpture was placed on the Piazza della Signoria, at the side of main door the Palazzo Vecchio, in memory of the expulsion of
See also
Notes
- ^ Kevin R. Brine, Elena Ciletti, Henrike Lähneman, The Sword of Judith: Judith Studies Across the Disciplines, Open Book Publishers, 2010, p. x.
- ^ S2CID 191562817.
- ^ Hutton, Edward (1952). Florence (2 ed.). London: Hollis & Carter. pp. 53–54.
- ^ B. Bennett and D. Willkins (1984). Donatello. Oxford. pp. 231–232.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ H. Kauffmann (1936). Donatello. Eine Einführung in sein Bilden und Denken. Berlin. p. 171.
- ^ V. Herzner, "Die 'Judith' de Medici", Zeitschrift für Kunstgeschichte XLIII pp.154
- JSTOR 1483711.
- S2CID 210497423.
- .
References
- Pope-Hennessy, John, Italian Renaissance Sculpture. London: Phaidon, 1996.