Judith stands at the center, gripping the severed head of Holofernes by his thick hair, her pale arm extended and her expression calm and direct. Her other hand holds a sword, its blade angled downward and still gleaming, suggesting the immediacy of the act. A richly textured pearl necklace circles Judith’s neck, catching the strong light that falls across her chest and face, while her dress slips from one shoulder, revealing a luminous décolletage.

To Judith’s right, an older woman in a red sleeve and gray headscarf supports the head, her wrinkled face intent and focused on the grisly task. The background is dark and undefined, with only a hint of armor and fabric behind the figures, heightening the drama of the foreground action. Light streams from the left, illuminating Judith’s skin and the old woman’s hands, while the shadows deepen around Holofernes’ lifeless features.

The flesh tones are rendered with energetic, visible brushstrokes, especially in the arms and faces, giving a sense of movement and vitality to the scene. The composition is tightly focused, with the three figures pressed close together, filling nearly the entire panel and drawing attention to the physical and emotional intensity of the moment. Judith’s gaze meets the viewer, her lips slightly parted, while the old woman’s eyes are fixed on her task, and Holofernes’ head hangs limp, mouth open and eyes closed in death.

A gold ring glints on Judith’s finger, and the hilt of the sword is ornately curved, adding further detail to the scene. The color scheme is dominated by deep reds, ochres, and creamy whites, contrasting the warmth of flesh and fabric with the darkness behind. The paint surface appears rich and textured, with thick application in the highlights and more transparent glazes in the shadowed areas.

The figures’ gestures are forceful: Judith’s arm is taut with effort, and the old woman’s hands are steady as she assists in the aftermath of the beheading. Small flecks of red on Judith’s hand and the sword hint at the violence just committed. Rubens chooses to focus on the aftermath of Judith’s victory, emphasizing her strength and resolve through her posture and the dramatic lighting.