Judith Beheading Holofernes

Artemisia Gentileschi was an Italian Baroque painter and one of the most accomplished painters in the generation influenced by Caravaggio.She is an example for women by becoming the first member of the Accademia di Arte del Disegno in Florence. She was one of the first female artists to paint historical and religious paintings,when painting this themes was considered beyond a woman's reach.
The painting Judith beheading Holofernes depicts the murder of Holofernes by Judith and her servant. The painting is extremely gory and it contradicts with the image of innocent woman.The contrast in the shading and light creates a dramatic scene with extreme detail.
The painting is one of my favorites of all time due to the violent message and the role that had in the social life of Italy and the role of women in Europe.