Judith (ca. 1872) “Oil on canvas, 196,5 x 139 cm” [Private collection] — Andrei Franzowitsch Belloli (Italian Russian; 1820- 1881)

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 Contributor 1 Comment Judith (ca. 1872) “Oil on canvas

Judith (ca. 1872) “Oil on canvas, 196,5 x 139 cm” [Private collection] — Andrei Franzowitsch Belloli (Italian Russian; 1820- 1881)

Painted at the peak of his fame, the present work features Belloli’s favourite model of the 1870s – a dark-haired, sensuous, southern European beauty who is easily recognisable from his monumental historical canvasses. We find Judith in Holofernes’ luxurious tent at a moment of heroic resolve. Her arm is extended towards the sword, and her feverish gaze directed towards her enemy who is sleeping in his bed, but the nature of the drapery and her “advantageous” pose are undoubtedly decorative. Belloli successfully displays his virtuoso handling of the nude in an historical canvas.

Source: MacDougall’s
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