Dating a Femme Fatale: Donatello's Judith and Holofernes and the Battle of Anghiari (thesis)

Abstract

The Battle of Anghiari marks the only moment in Cosimo's reign where he faced internal and external threats joined against Florence. Judith, a character often used to personify virtues, takes on the role of a Medicean-led Florence, an unlikely victor against a stronger, Albizzi-backed Milan in Donatello's Judith and Holofernes. Overcoming the odds stacked against him, Cosimo led Florence from his private helm to triumph over the city's most significant threats. Judith stands as a direct commentary on the prideful tyranny of the Albizzi-Visconti alliance that resulted in their ultimate defeat. As Judith raises her sword to sever Holofernes' head, pride succumbs to humility, kingdoms fall, cities rise, and Cosimo triumphs. [From Conclusion]