Property from a European Collection
Italian, Deruta, circa 1530-40
Dish
No reserve
Auction Closed
February 2, 05:19 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Property from a European Collection
Italian, Deruta, circa 1530-40
Dish
tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
diameter: 15 ½ in.; 39.5 cm.
depicting Judith holding the head of Holofernes, the reverse with old collectors' labels denoting inventory numbers, a label from a previous sale marked 'lot 41' and the number '124' handwritten in red ink
According to the Old Testament, while the Israelites were under siege by the Assyrians, Judith, a beautiful Jewish widow, was invited to enter the tent of the Assyrian General Holofernes. Finding him inebriated, Judith decapitated him, carrying his head out for all of his troops to see. This act ended the siege and Judith was lauded as a hero.
In Christian symbolism, the story was viewed as the triumph of virtue over the vices of licentiousness and pride.