Judith and Holofernes, Wooden sculpture from the end of the 18th century-

Wooden sculpture dating from the late 18th century, depicting a biblical female figure holding a severed head in her left hand and an ironmonger's hammer in her right, accompanied by a rope. Although the scene features elements reminiscent of the story of Jael killing Sisera with a hammer, the addition of the severed head also evokes traditional iconography of Judith and Holofernes. This fusion of symbols could reflect a free interpretation or blend of these heroic stories from the Old Testament.
Made from oak, this sculpture reflects the interest of the period in strong female biblical figures, symbolizing courage and justice. The inclusion of the hammer, a central element of Jael's story, and the severed head, more commonly associated with Judith, gives this work a unique iconography, blending several narratives to reinforce its symbolism.
The carefully sculpted folds of the dress, the finesse of the facial features and the attention paid to the accessories testify to a high level of craftsmanship. The figure's serene posture, contrasting with the dramatic elements of the scene, underlines the balance sought by artists of this neoclassical period between sobriety and expressiveness.