Susanna and the Elders

Susanna and the Elders (1610) by the Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 – c.1653).

Judith and Maidservant

Judith and her Maidservant (ca. 1625) by the Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–ca.1653).

The head of Holofernes is already stuffed in the sack and the two women are preparing to flee back to safety in Bethulia. The hushed candlelit atmosphere emphasizes the imminent danger of the situation. But as well it’s easy to see that the artist was fascinated by that new technique to paint light and shadow.