Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes was created by which artist?

• A. Artemisia Gentileschi
• B. Caravaggio
• C. Rembrandt
• D. Rubens

Answer: (A)

This painting is a hallmark of Artemisia Gentileschi’s approach to dramatic biblical storytelling, especially in how she portrays strong, active women. Gentileschi’s Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes shows Judith and her maidservant in the heat of action, their faces and bodies drawn with intense realism and resolve. The lighting slices across the figures, creating stark contrasts that heighten the drama and focus attention on the moment of decisive courage. This use of light and the visceral, tactile realism—combined with a female-centered point of view—are distinctive traits of Gentileschi’s work, setting it apart from the other artists listed. While Caravaggio and others explored similar scenes, Gentileschi’s treatment emphasizes the agency and strength of the women, making her attribution the most fitting for this particular composition.