Gustav Klimt: Judith (1901)
Judith und Holofernes
Öl und Blattgold auf Leinwand | Oil and gold leaf on canvas
Belvedere, Vienna
"The story of Judith is a common theme in art. To free her people, the courageous woman outsmarted the enemy general Holofernes and beheaded him. Gustav Klimt interpreted the Old Testament heroine as an erotic femme fatale. We only notice the severed head of Holofernes upon closer examination of the painting..." (information text in the museum)
In this context, I highly recommend the oratorio 'Juditha triumphans' (RV 644) by Antonio Vivaldi. This is more than two hours of the most gripping, fantastic music. Here is the link to a particularly well done concert: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd_2D9Rg_Tk As an appetiser, I recommend the aria 'Armatæ face et anguibus', where Vagaus, Holofernes' servant, has just discovered what Judith has done, full of indignation and anger. You can get there by clicking on 'SHOW MORE' under the video and then on '02:00:01'. Don't miss this art delight!
Gustav Klimt: Judith (1901)
Judith und Holofernes
Öl und Blattgold auf Leinwand | Oil and gold leaf on canvas
Belvedere, Vienna
"The story of Judith is a common theme in art. To free her people, the courageous woman outsmarted the enemy general Holofernes and beheaded him. Gustav Klimt interpreted the Old Testament heroine as an erotic femme fatale. We only notice the severed head of Holofernes upon closer examination of the painting..." (information text in the museum)
In this context, I highly recommend the oratorio 'Juditha triumphans' (RV 644) by Antonio Vivaldi. This is more than two hours of the most gripping, fantastic music. Here is the link to a particularly well done concert: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd_2D9Rg_Tk As an appetiser, I recommend the aria 'Armatæ face et anguibus', where Vagaus, Holofernes' servant, has just discovered what Judith has done, full of indignation and anger. You can get there by clicking on 'SHOW MORE' under the video and then on '02:00:01'. Don't miss this art delight!