When the Assyrian army laid siege to her native town of Bethulia, Judith set out to save both the city and its people.

Making her way into the camp of Holofernes, commander of the enemy army, she entrances the soldiers with her beauty. Using her feminine wyles she captivates Holofernes who promptly invites her to be a guest at the evening banquet.

The evening progresses and much wine and food is consumed. Holofernes' senior officers and aides can take a hint and leave Holofernes in the company of the lovely and captivating Judith. As Holofernes dozes off Judith, in an act of remarkable ungraciousness, beheads him with his own sword.

The Assyrian army, feeling that Holofernes decision making capacity has been somewhat dimished with the loss of his head, abandon the seige and Judith returns to Bethulia having enjoyed an excellent meal, saved the city, and with the head of Holofernes as a trophy to boot.

The painting is by Giorgione (Giorgio da Castelfranco) 1477-1510 and is currently in the possession of Hermitage Museum.

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