Italian Master, 17th century, Judith and her Old Nurse

Close-up view of the half-length of Judith, with her dark blonde, well-coiffed hair, an elegant white dress with gold decorations, above a transparent scarf with gold threads and thin gold chains around her neck. To the right of her, in a gray robe with headgear, is an assistant; probably her old nurse. Both women have slightly flushed cheeks and narrow red lips. They look at each other seriously, with dark brown eyes. In the background there are heavy red curtains, some of them embroidered, which could also indicate a tent. The representation probably refers to the biblical passage in which Judith, in her most beautiful dress, goes with her maid to the camp of Holofernes, in order to free the city of Betulia from the siege by beheading him. The tension between the women probably indicates the impending deed of Judith., Oil on canvas, 65 x 81 cm