One thing I get a kick out of is frequenting Art museums, no, not because of the statues duuh. I find that thinking about how people lived in the past really fascinates me. I like to look at paintings and sculptures, imagining the feeling the artist put into each piece while working. I really had no favourite Artwork, till I stumbled on JUDITH SLAYING HOLOFERNES (1620-1621) by Artemisia Gentileschi, and it immediately became my favourite.

It is an oil on canvas depicting the bible story of Judith cutting off the head of the Assyrian king. What is most captivating in this painting, is how Gentileschi captures the tension in the scene. Our imagination kicks in, as we can feel Judith’s determination to cut off Holofernes head with the sword, while her attendant helps to hold him down. We feel almost sorry for him as his blood seeps into the bed linens.

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 – 1654 or later) was one of the most celebrated female painters of 17^th Century Italy. Her father was a painter, and she was the first woman to gain membership to the prestigious Academy of Arts of Drawing – the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in 1616. This painting was one of her most famous works.

I love the vivacity of the colours especially how Gentileschi captures their clothing; one can almost feel the flow and creases as well as the velvety softness of the garments as royalty will usually wear around that time.