8-Antique Master Prints-HOLOFERNES-JUDITH-COMPLETE SERIES-Galle-Heemskerck-1564

‘PLATE 8: BARBARA GENS, CELERAT FUGAM, OBSIDIONE SOLUTA, PR?CIPITEM REX ECCE IACET SINE NOMINE PRINCEPS.’

– Plate 1: Holofernes, seated on a raised throne inside a military tent, listens sternly as Achior, leader of the Ammonites, is brought before him. Soldiers restrain Achior, who gestures while pleading his case. The encampment and troops are visible in the background. Plate 2: Achior, bound to a tree by soldiers, is discovered by the Israelites near a fortified city. A dramatic composition of muscular figures, set against a walled town and distant mountains. In the background, a processional gathering welcomes the rescued man. Plate 3: Judith stands boldly among the elders of Bethulia, admonishing them for their lack of faith. In the background, citizens prepare for an impending siege, while above, Judith is seen praying in solitude. A powerful composition combining moral authority and spiritual introspection. Plate 4: Judith hands provisions to her maid – a flask and a satchel with food-as they prepare to leave Bethulia and head to the enemy camp of Holofernes. City leaders wait by the gate to bid them farewell, while the maid is burdened with supplies. A moment of brave resolve before Judith’s pivotal act. Plate 5: Judith kneels in a richly decorated military tent before the Assyrian general Holofernes. Her maidservant stands behind her, while Holofernes, seated in ornate armor, leans forward in engagement. Soldiers and court members fill the background, observing the moment of seduction and diplomacy. Plate 6: Inside a richly decorated military tent, Judith, sword in hand, decapitates the sleeping Holofernes. Her maidservant crouches to assist with the body. In the background, soldiers and camp life continue, unaware of the act. To the right, Judith and the maid can be seen leaving the camp toward the city. Plate 7: Judith stands triumphantly on a stone pedestal in the city of Bethulia, holding Holofernes’s severed head aloft by the hair. Her maidservant stands beside her, while priests, soldiers, and citizens gather and celebrate with flaming torches. A dramatic civic celebration fills the background. Plate 8: Two Assyrian commanders discover the decapitated corpse of Holofernes inside his tent. Outside, the Israelite army charges down in full assault, driving back the panicked Assyrians. Chaos unfolds in both the foreground and background as Judith’s plan results in the collapse of the enemy camp.