Untraced since the 1920s, the present picture is listed in all the literature as a copy after Orazio Gentileschi. However, it has recently been seen by Professor Mary Garrard, in whose opinion it is the work of Artemisia Gentileschi (letter of 18 October 1990). While the painting is based on Orazio's picture in the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut, certain features - especially Judith's pearl earring and some aspects of her face - do not correspond with that painting but with another version in the Vatican which Professor Garrard also attributes to Artemisia. Professor Garrard points out that the Vatican version is a more precise copy, which suggests that it is a very early work, while the present picture is more personalized, including numerous minor variations, suggesting that it is a rather later reworking of Orazio's composition.

This picture was sold in these Rooms on 5 July 1991, lot 88, but payment was never received