Early 17th century

Table Napkin

This damask linen napkin, one from a set of three, was a gift from King Charles I of England to Thomas Brinley (c. 1591–1661), his auditor general of the revenue. Each napkin shows scenes from the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes. The center of this napkin shows Judith seated at a table with Holofernes and her maid; below, Judith appears again with her maid holding a sword in one hand and Holofernes' head in the other with his headless body lying on a canopied bed.