Judith placing the head of Holofernes on a tray held by an attendant, with the body of Holofernes on a canopied bed

Art Historical Context

This captivating engraving by Jacques Callot captures a dramatic moment from the biblical story of Judith, who saves her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The scene shows Judith carefully placing the severed head on a tray held by her attendant, while Holofernes’s body lies on a canopied bed in the background. Created around 1621–35, the small print (just under four inches tall) distills a tale of courage, faith, and justice into a single, intimate composition. Callot’s mastery of engraving is evident in the fine lines and careful shading that bring depth to the figures and setting despite the work’s modest size. As a second-state impression, this print reflects the artist’s refinements to the plate, allowing for wider circulation of the image. Such works played an important role in spreading biblical narratives and moral lessons across Europe during the early seventeenth century. Today, visitors can appreciate how Callot transformed a violent episode into a study of composure and resolve. The engraving’s presence in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection highlights the enduring power of printmaking to preserve and share powerful stories across time.

About the Artist

Jacques Callot · 1592–1635

Jacques Callot (1592–1635) was a French printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, widely regarded as one of the first great artists to practice the graphic arts exclusively. His more than 1,400 etchings chronicled the breadth of 17th-century life, from Medici court festivities to the brutal realities of warfare. Callot revolutionized etching through technical innovations including the é...