Judith and Holofernes (1457-1464) is one of the last known works by Donatello, completed two years before his death at the age of 80 in 1466.
Depicting the assassination of the Assyrian general Holofernes by Judith, it is remarkable for being one of the first Renaissance sculptures to be conceived in the round, with its four distinct faces.
The subject of Judith beheading Holofernes, depicting the climax of the story in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, was a common subject in art and is associated with the Power of Women topos.
It has now been placed back inside the Sala dei Gigli (Room of the Lilies) inside the palazzo that houses Florence city hall.
“We have been very happy to have funded the restoration of this statue,” said Friends of Florence Foundation President Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda.
“[It’s] a fundamental work not only for Florentine history, but for world art and culture.
“In this way it will be able to continue to show itself to present and future generations in all its powerful beauty.”
The piece, of which a copy stands outside in Piazza della Signoria, is one of Donatello’s most famous works, for its expressive power and the masterly and refined sculpting technique.
Friends of Florence have already funded other notable restorations for the Palazzo Vecchio, including Andrea del Verrocchio’s Putto With Dolphin.
ANSA
