A detailed circular engraving by Johann Theodor de Bry depicting the biblical scene of Judith and Holofernes, executed in the Northern Mannerist style.

This circular engraving by Johann Theodor de Bry depicts the biblical narrative of Judith beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. The composition is contained within a tondo, a format frequently used in the late sixteenth century for decorative prints and metalwork designs. De Bry employs a precise, linear technique characteristic of the period, using hatching and cross-hatching to define the muscular anatomy of Holofernes and the voluminous drapery of Judith's garments.

The scene captures the moment of action, with Judith raising her sword while gripping the hair of the sleeping general. In the background, an attendant waits near a doorway, providing a sense of spatial depth. The inclusion of a shelf filled with vessels and a lit candle on a side table adds domestic detail to the dramatic event. The circular border contains Latin text, a common feature in prints intended for collectors or as models for goldsmiths and engravers.

Johann Theodor de Bry was a member of a prominent family of engravers and publishers based in Frankfurt. His work reflects the influence of the Northern Mannerist style, which favoured elongated figures and a high degree of technical finish. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to manage complex lighting and texture within a restricted circular frame. The contrast between the dark interior and the illuminated figures creates a focused narrative, directing the viewer's attention to the central struggle. This piece serves as an example of the high level of craftsmanship found in late Renaissance printmaking, where the engraving process allowed for the dissemination of complex iconographic subjects to a wider audience of scholars and artisans.