CRISTOFANO ALLORI (1577-1621)
Judith with the Head of Holofernes
Signed and dated 1613RCIN 404989
Judith was a beautiful Jewish widow, who entered the tent of the Assyrian general Holofernes, decapitated him, and brought his head back to her people. The painting was reportedly a response to Allori being deserted by his mistress. The head is reputed to be a self-portrait and Judith and her servant portraits of ‘La Mauzza Firra’ and her mother.