[2] The painting depicts the moments after the biblical heroine Judith has assassinated the general Holofernes, and is fleeing his tent with her servant Abra.

This portrayal of the moments following the assassination is based on an earlier work by the artist's father: The dark setting of the scene is brightened by the red and gold tones in the fabrics - colors which Gentileschi used frequently during her time in Florence.

The viewer is reminded of the violence which preceded this moment by the screaming head depicted on the pommel of the sword, thought to be a mythological figure such as Medusa.

[4] The presence of fresh blood dripping from the basket the maidservant is carrying, which shows Holofernes's head in full view, also invokes the violence of the scene the two figures are leaving.

Judith, an Israelite widow, sneaks into Holofernes's tent when he is drunk and asleep, and she beheads him with the help of her maidservant, Abra, in order to save her city.