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Judith, The Maiden of Peace
by Sandro Botticelli (Italy, 1445-1510)
This Renaissance image still embodies the medieval identification of Judith with Fortitude, Chastity, Temperance, Wisdom, Humility and Justice. Judith represented not only the ideal woman — a paragon of chastity who slays the sexually aroused aggressor with his own phallic sword — but also the model for a wise and just Christian prince. Her perfection allows for no defects or complexity, even though other artists may consider her a seductive betrayer.
   Judith uses her fortitude to lead Israel in battle against its impious enemy. She is portrayed with her maid running quickly from the camp of the Assyrians with the battle raging in the background. Even though Judith carries in one hand the bloody sword of Holofernes whose head she has removed, she is portrayed as a pastoral maiden of peace. She holds in her other hand an olive branch since her heroic act has brought peace to her people. Judith's transcendent beauty — truly Divinely given as the Book of Judith emphasizes — partakes in no way of earthly sexuality or seduction. (based on Margarita Stocker, Judith: The Sexual Warrior, p. 24-25)