2025. Oil on canvas. 36"x60"
 
The Old Testament story of Judith and Holofernes has been painted countless times throughout the history of painting and western art history. Holofernes was an invading general, set on destorying everyone in the town where Judith lived. He came across Judith and was taken with here beauty. Assuming she wasn't s threat, he took her back to his tent to have her way with her. However, Judith was able to charm him and convince him to keep drinking. Eventually Holofernes drank so much he fell asleep. That's when Judith beheaded him, saving herself, her family, and her town.
 
Judith was often seen as a chaste heroine, similar to the Virgin Mary. Over time, espcially starting in the 1800s, she started being depicted more as a femme fatale. An evil seductress set on destroying men. This theme was extremely popular with the other biblical character of Salome. To avoid being confused for Salome, Judith was often pictured with an old maid on her side, assisting with the behading.
 
In my piece, I wanted to give Judith the power. Bring it to the 21st century while referencing the old depictions. I was also trying to navigate Judiths evolving symbol as hero and femme fatale. This paintings exists after Kehinde Wiley's Judith that explores race. The American flag places this in the current political context, but has the potential to condemn the symbol of a white savior. 
 
In my painting, Holofernes is already dead, the pregnant moment over. And Judith is looking at us like we've just walked in on this scene. The question is then do we support Judith in saving us from our oppressor, or are we on Holofernes side and see her as an out of control woman?