Judith and Holofernes (Donatello)
It depicts the assassination of the Assyrian general Holofernes by Judith, and is remarkable for being one of the first Renaissance sculptures to be conceived in the round as a free-standing statue, with its four distinct faces.[5] Both Judith and David are underdogs from Old Testament stories, and are also seen placed in close proximity in the fresco of Santa Maria Antiqua, as well as on Lorenzo Ghiberti's East Baptistry Doors.Christian symbolism of Judith reveals her actions over Holofernes to be a victory of virtue—particularly concerning self-control, chastity, and humility, as opposed to promiscuity and pride.[6] The anticipated slashing of the general's neck and overall notion of beheading is emphasized visually in the statue through Judith's intent gaze and strongly cocked arm wielding her blade ready to strike.Piero de' Medici son of Cosimo dedicated this statue of a woman both to liberty and to fortitude, whereby the citizens with unvanquished and constant heart might return to the republic."[11] In 1495, the sculpture was placed on the Piazza della Signoria, at the side of main door the Palazzo Vecchio, in memory of the expulsion of Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici from Florence and the introduction of the Florentine republic under Girolamo Savonarola.