Judith And Holophernes – After Horace Vernet Engraved By Jean-pierre-marie Jazet (1788–1871)

JUDITH AND HOLOPHERNES – AFTER HORACE VERNET
Engraved by Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet (1788–1871)
Paris, circa 1830–1835
Engraving on paper after a composition by Horace Vernet (1789–1863), bearing the inscriptions in the margins “Painted in Rome by H. Vernet ” and “Engraved by Jazet.”
The scene depicts the biblical episode of Judith and Holofernes. Judith, standing on the left, holds the scimitar with which she is about to behead Holofernes, who is dozing in his chair. Vernet thus chose to depict the moment just before the Assyrian general’s death, in a setting featuring oriental-style fabrics, weapons, and accessories.
The original composition was painted in Rome by Horace Vernet in 1829, during his tenure as director of the French Academy in Rome.
This print was engraved by Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet and published in Paris jointly by the engraver and the print dealer Aumont, as indicated by the address in the margin:
“In Paris, at Jazet’s, rue de Lancry, No. 7, and at Aumont, Print Dealer, rue J.J. Rousseau, No. 10.”
This address allows us to link the print to an early edition of the composition, likely dating from around 1830–1835, close in time to the painting’s creation. It predates the edition published by Goupil, Vibert & Cie in the mid-19th century.
The title “Judith and Holofernes” appears in the center of the lower margin, accompanied by a caption drawn from the biblical narrative.
The engraving is preserved in its 19th-century wooden frame with gilded stucco, decorated with foliage, flowers, and plant motifs in relief. It is protected by its original 19th-century glass.
Age spots and pinholes, mainly in the margins. A few water stains and visible signs of age on the paper.