Judith with the head of Holofernes

The 'Judith with the Head of Holofernes,' and her "pair" 'David with the Head of Goliath,' are interesting watershed works standing between the expressionistic vigor of the Lombards Amadeo, Mantegazza and Piatti and the softer more plastic classicism of Cristoforo Solari. In this transition, the master artist Tommaso Rodari, active particularly for the Duomo in nearby Como, was essential. Nevertheless, some insecurities in handling, particularly in the figure of Judith, encourage focusing on the circle of artists influenced by the Como master, rather than on him or his workshop. Probably purchased by the brothers Fausto and Giuseppe at the end of the 19th century, the Judith and the David are still displayed--as are all other objects in the museum--in their original late 19th century frames in their original places, thus contributing to the authentic "time capsule" ambiance.