The painting depicts a scene from the biblical story of Holofernes, the Assyrian general defeated by Judith. The composition shows the moment of the discovery of Holofernes' body, conveying a dramatic atmosphere and expressive emotions of the characters. The work represents the style of the early Renaissance, with clear influences from mythology and Jewish history.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Sandro Botticelli

  • Date of birth and death

    c. 1445 – May 17, 1510

  • Natinality

    Italian

  • Style

    Early Renaissance

  • Significant works

    The Birth of Venus, Primavera, Adoration of the Magi, Mystic Nativity, Saint Augustine in His Study

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1470

  • Execution technique:

    Tempera on panel

  • Location:

    Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

  • Theme:

    mythological painting, biblical, legend of Judith and Holofernes

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The work interprets the symbolism of courage and divine justice, where the figure of Judith triumphs over tyranny. The message of the painting refers to the power of good and divine protection in the fight against oppression.

The key to interpreting the work

Pay attention to the details of the dramatic mood, use of chiaroscuro, and the precision of details characteristic of Botticelli and his early Renaissance style.

See other works by this artist

Sebastian

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1473
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The return of Judith to Bethulia

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1472-1473
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Portrait of a Man with the Medal of Cosimo

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1474
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Portrait of a Young Man with Red Cap

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1474
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Portrait of a young woman

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1475
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The Spring

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1478-1482
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Venus and Mars

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1483
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The Birth of Venus

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1483-1485
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Portrait of Dante

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1495
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The Mystical Nativity

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1500-1501
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Adoration of the Magi

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1465-1467
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Madonna and Child

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1467
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Madonna with two angels

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1468
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Portrait of a Young Man

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1469
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Virgin and child with two angels

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1468-1469
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Fortitude

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1470
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Madonna and Child

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1465-1470
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Madonna and Child with Six Saints

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1470
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Madonna in Glory with Seraphim

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1470
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Madonna of the Rosegarden

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1469-1470
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The Madonna of the Roses

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1470
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Madonna and Child with an Angel

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1470
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The Adoration of the Magi

  • Artist: Sandro Botticelli
  • Year: 1475-1476
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