Mystery Caravaggesque Judith Unveiled in Naples
An artwork portraying Judith beheading Holofernes, attributed to an unidentified Caravaggesque painter who worked in Naples prior to 1630, has been displayed in Naples. Acquired in the late 19th century, it became part of a private collection, with a previous attribution to 'S. De Rosa' (likely referring to Salvator Rosa, now dismissed). In 2004, diagnostic evaluations by Emmebici identified the canvas as a 17th-century Neapolitan piece featuring a warm reddish-brown base and a painting style reminiscent of Caravaggio. The scene illustrates Judith starting the beheading, aided by Abra. Unlike Caravaggio's Judith at Palazzo Barberini, this work varies in figures and color palette. Giulia Silvia Ghia's article in Artribune suggests further diagnostics to pinpoint the artist.
Key facts
- Unpublished painting of Judith and Holofernes exhibited in Naples.
- Artist unknown, presumed active in Naples before 1630.
- Entered private collection in second half of 19th century via Naples purchase.
- Testament attribution to 'S. De Rosa' (Salvator Rosa) now considered unlikely.
- 2004 diagnostic analyses by Emmebici reveal typical Neapolitan Caravaggesque technique.
- Canvas has no seams, sparse weave, 17th-century Neapolitan production.
- Ground composed of terre brune e rosse, biacca, nero carbone.
- Palette includes lapis lazuli blue, rare in Caravaggio's works.
- Composition shows Judith entering from left, Holofernes alive and struggling.
- No blood visible, indicating beginning of beheading.
- Differs from Caravaggio's Judith at Palazzo Barberini in full-length figures and colors.
- Possible link to Louis Finson and lost Caravaggio Judith and Holofernes.
- Article by Giulia Silvia Ghia on Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Caravaggio
- Salvator Rosa
- Louis Finson
- Abraham Vinck
- Giulia Silvia Ghia
- Carlo Borromeo
Institutions
- Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica di Palazzo Barberini
- Banco di Napoli
- Palazzo Zevallos
- Artribune
- Emmebici
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Rome
- Palazzo Barberini
- Palazzo Zevallos
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Vienna
- Austria
- Malta
- Spain
- France
- Paesi Bassi