Jean Ramey , “Judith with the Head of Holofernes,” 1585, oil on panel, 47 x 37.8 cm, auctioned by Christie’s, London, April 27, 2007 (Lot#1)
Jean Ramey (c. 1530-1612) was not well-known outside his town of Liège, and little of his artwork survives. Instead, one of his pupils’ pupils went on to succeed beyond the small town – across Holland and Europe and all the world – as Peter Paul Rubens. There is little in this painting to suggest a connection – considering Rubens was known for his “robust women” and this Judith seems rather slight and juvenile.
The catalog description of this work states the panel moulding on the reverse of the painting indicates it was probably part of a cupboard door. The inscription on the stone slab in the lower left reads “Not unto us Lord, not unto us, but to thy name give Glory” from Psalm 115. By coincidence, this was also the motto of the Knights Templar – dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312. If one wanted to go all DaVinci Code on this painting, one could. But there is no conspiracy theory mentioned in Wikipedia so it is highly unlikely – since Wikipedia holds to keys to the Universe.
The other point of interest in this painting is the sword Judith holds (har har). It is described as “a Falchion type, the ornate hilt conforming to the vogue for Roman Revivalism.” By definition, a falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European origin, combining the weight and power of an axe with the versatility of a sword. That would seem to be the perfect weapon to select for decapitation. However, the reference to the falchion is not too be confused with the actual fauchion that the Apocrypha states Judith used. Since we all know the fauchion is a scimitar (or a backsword or sabre) with a curved light-weight blade, originating in the Middle East. I mean, who would confuse those two blades? Except maybe the Webster Dictionary, which says “Fauchion (noun): see Falchion.”
yes, the title says my name is "Judith, to you." and it's as arrogant as it sounds. that's what happens when a giggley little girl is bestowed a heavy-weight name like Judith. but it's time to own my name. to be Shakespearean and wonder "What's in a name?" to learn about the artwork inspired by the name. to contemplate how a widow in a gleaming gown can decapitate a brute - and not muss her nails. join me in the bumpy ride through history and art and social change, all in the name of Judith.
judith2you 
lia
October 3, 2013 at 6:06 am
Dear Judith,
your blog is my gold. I’m working on piece of music/ performance about Judith, so you get why.
I’d be so grateful if you could give me a personal/ subjective analysis of Judith – what characteristics you think are really totemic to her, why you can admire her, her most complicated contradictions etc. As you say, “What’s in a name?” … for you?
Also, if you could elaborate on this conspiracy theory,
and, point me towards the party poopers.
With thanks and respect,
Lia.
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judith2you
November 23, 2013 at 3:58 pm
A piece of music/ performance about Judith? What could appeal to my vanity more than that!
First, although she used somewhat dubious means to achieve her objectives, Judith was a women of character – so she would never dis-and-tell. The party poopers shall remain anonymous. at least faceless. maybe headless.
Second, my personal analysis is that Judith is a woman of conviction and purpose, the avenger rather than victim – and after that she becomes whatever the viewer wants to see. If sanctity is essential, then she is a saint. If sexuality is the focus, then she is a manipulative whore when sex is considered a weapon – and a beguiling seductress when sex is based on her physical attractiveness. In-between those extremes, she is many things – but they all return to her firm belief in her ability (either from God or her own assets). That is the main reason I admire her: for her resolve and her willingness to act on that.
The contradictions relate to the method she chose to act on her belief, not because it involved seduction but because it involved deception and assassination. The story of Judith evokes the old question: are any means justified by the ends? The story of Judith is about an honest woman who lies, a virtuous woman who uses her physical charms to entice and then who commits murder. Not just any murder but a gruesome, bloody decapitation of an incapacitated, helpless victim. While most of the art depicts her as victorious after the murder, there are some artists who have touched her ambiguity and doubt and even revulsion at what she has done. It is exactly the contradiction that I also admire about Judith: that she can be more than “one note” – at the same time moral, fearless, cunning, humorous, sexual, repulsed and regretful in a symphony of human emotion.
Isn’t that what we all want? To be able to possess and express the full range of ourselves?
I wish you well with your endeavor and hope you will share it here!
Judith
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