The biblical story about Judith is exceptional in that it is one of the very few in which a woman is more powerful than a man. That made her a very popular subject for painters. Holofernes, generalissimo of the Assyrian army, besieged and subsequently blockaded the biblical city of Betulia, cutting off its population from access to food and water. This made Judith decide to take action against the brutal enemy. At night, accompanied by her maid she set out to the enemy camp, carrying crocks of wine. She was a very pretty woman and this helped her in getting to the tent of Holofernes without any difficulty. He welcomed her into his tent and ordered his servants not to disturb them that night. He was no doubt hoping for a long night full of passion. She, however, had different plans. She fed him so much wine that he passed out, upon which she cut off his head. Carrying his head as a trophy, she returned to Betulia. At dawn, discovering what had happened to their leader, Holofernes’ soldiers fled the camp.