Giovanni Antonio Bazzi had the nickname “Il Sodoma” because … well … he was accused of being a sodomite and it just stuck. ahem. actually, he was much disliked by Vasari, who claimed:
His manner of life was licentious and dishonourable, and as he always boys and beardless youths about him of whom he was inordinately fond, this earned him the nickname of Sodoma; but instead of feeling shame, he gloried in it, writing stanzas and verses on it, singing them to the accompaniment of the lute.(1)
but Bazzi himself used the name in his signature, and Vasari’s story has been questioned. which makes Vasari look like an old priss. but who knows since we did not have TMZ or National Enquirer or Perez Hilton at that time.
what is known is that il Sodoma was considered to be an exemplary artist of his day. well-liked and admired by his contemporaries – Raphael, Peruzzi, Pacchia and Beccafumi – except Vasari.
and despite all the nasty gossip, his depiction Judith is very sweet. just a simple maiden strolling through the countryside. except for the big knife and the severed head – which is sort of … complicated and scary.
il Sodoma (Giovanni Antonio Bazzi), "Judith," c.1510, Oil on wood, 84 x 47 cm, Pinacoteca, Siena, Italy
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 
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