Artemisia Gentileschi (1625). Judith and Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes [oil on canvas]. The Detroit Institute of Arts.

Clearly a work of amazing naturalism, Gentileschi has composed a work that integrates a handful of purposes masterfully in a forged combination typical of the time period. Anticipation is trapped in the canvas, charging it with energy, which is only intensified by the narrative and formal treatment of the subject matter. While all figures are “grounded” on a perpendicular angle, the canvas divides in half along a diagonal axis centered between the two figures, which organically heightens this works drama. The typical observer, placed intimately within the moment with the subjects, will have their disposition affected. Gentilischi has clearly left a part of herself behind in this piece.

Strong contrasts organize the entire canvas. Seventeenth century value development defines this work, but Gentileschi has installed a deceptively pure and analogous color palette as well. Whites clash against nebulous blacks with little intermediaries. The complementary tension between yellows and purples, background formatted with red and singular light source based on a candle flame create a warm composition.

The lightest values and contrasts are placed in the foreground, limiting the value range of the background and causing the two to separate. The field of view is compressed, supported by a slight adjustment in textural details and color scheme. Any further compression would probably create more tension, but story-telling details would have to be sacrificed.

Overall, this painting uses its formal qualities to create a beautiful, cohesive scene. It is the content that seamlessly charges the painting with a sense of danger. The exceptions are Gentileschi’s masterful use of value, overpowered by dense tones, and how she establishes pictorial balance, which disturb rather than support any sense of calm.

Genileschi’s consistent and measured distribution of high-key values and bright colors generate this works primary center of interest. They eye naturally travels to the dramatic shadow cast on Judith’s face by her hand, and then to the face of her servant. The singular direction of their gazes carries much of this works energy off-canvas. Gentileschi has masterfully unified emotional and intellectual content with rare formal and design instincts.