Baroque Painters

Judith Slaying Holofernes, Artemesia Gentileschi, photo
courtesy of Wikipedia CC

           Baroque painters of the 1600s adapted theatrical qualities on canvas through dramatic chiaruscuro, lighting and action.  The father of Baroque painting in Rome, Caravaggio (1571-1610), often painted a tight, intimate scene in which light played a major role.  Many painters began to follow the style of Caravaggio, such as Artemesia Gentileschi (1593-1656), a female contemporary.  Gentileschi’s most famous piece, Judith Slaying Holoferness, from 1614-1620, is her version of a famous piece of the same scene by Caravaggio.  Some say this is her response to his painting.

            Gentileschi’s Judith is a strong woman, forcing the sword through Holoferness’ neck as she grasps his hair with her hand.  Blood spurts from the wound onto her chest and arms and runs down crisp white sheets.  The scene is dynamic with movement.  Gentileschi’s Judith is a powerful woman, which contrasts to the dainty feminine Judith in Caravaggio’s depiction.

Judith Slaying Holofernes (1598-99), Caravaggio,
photo courtesy of Wikipedia CC

            However, Gentileschi in heavily influenced by Caravaggio’s style: an attention to physical darkness and lightness to make up the composition.  As in Caravaggio’s paintings, Gentileschi’s scene is lit by a stark light, which comes from out of the canvas and gleams on only the three figures in the foreground.  The background is completely shaded in darkness.  The heightened drama creates a tone of concealed danger.  Gentileschi's painting reflects a darker side to femininity, just as Caravaggio's paintings reveal his own dark side.