Judith and Holofernes (Goya) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Judith and Holofernes |
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| Spanish: Judith y Holofernes | |
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| Artist | Francisco de Goya |
| Year | 1819–23 |
| Type | Oil mural transferred to canvas |
| Dimensions | 143.5 cm × 81.4 cm (56.5 in × 32.0 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
Judith and Holofernes is a famous painting by Francisco de Goya. It is one of 14 artworks known as the Black Paintings. Goya painted these works between 1819 and 1823. At this time, Goya was in his mid-70s. He was feeling very sad and unwell.
Goya painted these special works directly onto the walls of his home. His house was called the Quinta del Sordo, which means "The House of the Deaf Man." He bought this house in 1819. Judith and Holofernes was probably painted on the first floor. It was next to another famous painting called Saturn Devouring His Son. This painting tells a story from the Book of Judith. In the story, a brave woman named Judith saves Israel. She does this by defeating a general named Holofernes. Judith is the only person in the Black Paintings who can be clearly identified.
What the Painting Looks Like
The painting Judith and Holofernes uses dark colors. Goya used blacks, browns, and reds. He painted with big, strong brushstrokes. The light in the painting is very dramatic. It looks like a night scene lit by a torch.
This light shines on Judith's face and arm. An old servant woman is also in the painting. Her face is mostly in shadow as she prays. What's interesting is that Goya does not show Holofernes. He also does not show any blood. This is different from how many other artists painted this story.
Meaning Behind the Art
Goya felt very unhappy with the king of Spain at the time. This was King Ferdinand VII. Some people think that Holofernes in the painting might represent the king. Goya secretly disliked the king.
In art, Holofernes' death often showed the defeat of a cruel ruler. This idea would have been very bold for Goya. He had strong connections to the royal family. However, Goya believed no one else would ever see these paintings. This allowed him to express his feelings freely.
Goya had hidden his political views in his art before. His Disasters of War etchings criticized war and the government. But these works were only published 35 years after he died.
How the Painting Was Saved
The Black Paintings were originally murals on Goya's walls. In 1873–74, they were carefully moved. They were taken off the walls and put onto canvas. This work was done for Baron Émile d'Erlanger. Salvador Martínez Cubells, a curator from the Museo del Prado, helped supervise.
Baron d'Erlanger later gave all 14 paintings to the Museo del Prado in 1881. You can see them there today.
See also
In Spanish: Judith y Holofernes para niños
- List of works by Francisco Goya
