Drawing by OLEKSII CHEKAL

Jewish figurative calligraphy. The text from the midrash goes something like this: "And she clothed herself in royal garments, and put a royal diadem on her head. She adorned her head, and gave herself a glorious and brilliant appearance. And all who saw Judith admired her." The image of Judith symbolizes not only feminine beauty but also a sharp mind associated with courage and sacrifice. The text inside the silhouette of Judith is identical to the text below and was created in the tradition of figurative calligraphy that was widespread in the Middle East. The type of Jewish calligraphy is close to the Sofer script, similar to Ashkenazi sacred writing, which is based on the rules established by Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575).