Relief: Base of Judith and Holofernes

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This replica is a plaster version of the original sculpture created by Donatello, which is part of the bronze work Judith and Holofernes (1457–64). The sculpture depicts Judith beheading Assyrian general Holofernes in one of the first Renaissance sculptures to be conceived in the round. This artwork was inspired by the biblical story in the Book of Judith, a common subject in art that symbolizes the power of women. The statue, along with Donatello's David, were placed together in front of the palace around 1457 when Cosimo de Medici's family moved into it. Although the exact location is unknown, both statues represented Florence's power and strength. To facilitate gilding, the bronze was cast in 11 parts. The sculpture rests on a triangular pedestal with holes for water to flow through, designed to function as a fountain. The base resembles a cushion, a naturalistic device used by Donatello in his St. Mark in the Orsanmichele. Judith is depicted as a powerful symbol of liberty, virtue, and victory over the strong in a just cause. She stands powerfully with a raised sword, holding Holofernes' head by his hair. The statue was originally gilded; some gilding remains on the sword. Christian symbolism portrays Judith's actions as a triumph of virtue, particularly self-control, chastity, and humility, over promiscuity and pride. Her story in the Power of Women topos represents the weak overcoming the assumed victor to protect her home, symbolizing Florence's fight against foreign powers and the Medici family's pride in their city. The anticipated slashing of Holofernes' neck is emphasized visually through Judith's intent gaze and strongly cocked arm wielding her blade. A medallion carved into Holofernes' back represents a symbol of pride, with many scholars believing it directly references Psalms 73:6. Some argue that the statue should be viewed from the side rather than straight on to emphasize Holofernes' neck and Judith's striking arm. This view renders the inscription "Behold the neck of pride served by the hand of humility" the most accurate depiction. It is believed that an original inscription read, "Kingdoms fall through luxury, cities rise through virtues. Behold the neck of pride severed by the hand of humility." The statue serves as a metaphor for the Medici rule, with defenders of Florentine liberty akin to Judith, slayer of the tyrant Holofernes and defender of the people. In 1495, the sculpture was placed in the Piazza della Signoria at the side of the Palazzo Vecchio's main door, symbolizing the expulsion of Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici from Florence and the introduction of the Florentine republic under Girolamo Savonarola. The statue was later moved to the courtyard inside the Palazzo Vecchio and into the Loggia dei Lanzi. In 1919, it was placed on the left side of the Palazzo Vecchio. A bronze copy replaced the original in 1988, and after restoration, the original was given its final place in the Sala dei Gigli inside the Palazzo Vecchio.