Holofernes Interrogating Achior

c. 1575

French 16th Century

Associated Names
This is a painting of a detailed narrative scene with multiple figures in an ornate, classical style. The image is framed with an intricately designed border featuring floral and geometric patterns. Within the scene, an interior tent setting to the left shows a figure seated on an elevated round platform, listening to another armored figure gesturing. Around them stand other figures clad in armor and attire. To the right, the scene extends outdoors, depicting a landscape with a fortified town, a bridge, and figures engaged in various activities, including one tied to a tree. This elaborate scene suggests themes of military encounters, leadership, and interrogation. The style echoes the detailed narrative approach of Renaissance or Baroque painters.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1992

  • Dürer to Diebenkorn: Recent Acquisitions of Art of Paper, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1992, no. 8.

Inscriptions

across top in plate: Holoferne interroge Achior de le force du peuple d'Ifrael, qui pour auoir dit la verite eft lie a vn arbre.; across bottom in plate: Le Prince ... pure verite.

Wikidata ID

Q74896012

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