Judith and her Servant with the Head of Holofernes

Judith and Her Servant with the Head of Holofernes from around 1610 is an early version of Gentileschi's most iconic subject. The cooperation between Judith and her maid Abra emphasizes female solidarity and agency in the heroic act. Artemisia Gentileschi's powerfully direct treatment of female subjects—heroines, saints, and biblical figures depicted with unprecedented psychological force and physical credibility—makes her one of the most significant figures in the Baroque tradition.

The two women are captured in dramatic lamplight as they carry the severed head. Gentileschi's bold tenebristic contrasts and naturalistic figure handling create a scene of tense, purposeful action.