Judith Slays Holofernes Analysis

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The Baroque artist, Gentileschi, painted “Judith Slays Holofernes,” after she was raped and her attacker was pardoned. Instead, the Italian government tortured her for “lying”. The painting is a reference to the biblical story of Judith, a widow from Syria, who takes it upon herself to kill the army general who seized her town. This painting reveals the themes of anger and revenge through the artist and the composition itself. Gentileschi was alive during a time where women’s opinions could not be voiced, so she voiced her anger and frustration through her composition. Judith takes revenge on the army general for pillaging her town, by beheading him. This whole painting basically represents revenge on any male wrongdoer, and greatly relates