DISCOVERART

Marco San Martino

Judith with the Head of Holofernes

n.d.
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
19.2 × 15 cm (7.6 × 5.9 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This wiry, animated etching of the moment just after Judith has decapitated Holofernes was produced by Marco San Martino, a little-known painter and printmaker of the Italian Baroque. The image draws much of its strength from its contrasts: Judith’s exposed breast and the bed-curtain emphasize her seductiveness, while her drawn sword reinforces her violent efficiency. Voids above the decapitated general’s body and beneath his dangling left arm evoke his disorienting inebriation and subsequent, violent end. Enveloped in her swirling robes, Judith has Holofernes’s head well in hand and is ready for the swift journey to her home, Bethulia, where she was rightly welcomed as a hero.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Marco San Martino

Shepherd and Shepherdess, Playing FluteShepherd and Shepherdess, Playing Flute

More like this

Saint Anthony of Padua holding the Christ ChildSimone Cantarini — Saint Anthony of Padua holding the ChristThe Holy Family (?)Baccio Bandinelli — The Holy Family (?)Rest on the flight into Egypt, Mary holding the infant Christ while St. Joseph hands him a fruitSimone Cantarini — Rest on the flight into Egypt, Mary holdiThe Virgin and Child accompanied by saintsAndrea Schiavone (Andrea Meldola) — The Virgin and Child accRest on the Flight into EgyptSimone Cantarini — Rest on the Flight into EgyptRepose in Egypt, Holy Family seated while an angel pulls at tree branches, copy after CantariniSimone Cantarini — Repose in Egypt, Holy Family seated whileRest on the Flight to EgyptSimone Cantarini — Rest on the Flight to EgyptLot's Daughters Fleeing SodomLucas Emil Vorsterman — Lot's Daughters Fleeing SodomHoly Family with a curtainSimone Cantarini — Holy Family with a curtainVisitationChrist Christ — VisitationMadonna and Child with Saints Elizabeth, John and AnneHans von Aachen — Madonna and Child with Saints Elizabeth, JMadonna and Child with Saints (after Parmigianino)Battista Angolo del Moro|Parmigianino (Girolamo Francesco Ma