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Samson and Delilah
The painting depicts the moment when the servant cuts Samson's hair— the source of his great strength—while he sleeps, as Philistine soldiers prepare to arrest him, visible in the background through a doorway. The scene takes place in a dark room lit by a candle held by an old woman standing next to Delilah. Next to Delilah is a statue of Venus and Cupid, symbolizing the cause of Samson's fate and Delilah's tool. The female figures of Delilah and the old woman may symbolize her past and future. The painting was commissioned by Nicolas Rockox, mayor of Antwerp, and is considered one of Rubens' most important works.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Peter Paul Rubens
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Date of birth and death
28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640
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Natinality
Flemish
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Style
Flemish Baroque painting, dynamic compositions, vivid coloring, sensuous forms
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Significant works
The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Night Watch, The Fall of Man, Marie de’ Medici cycle, The Three Graces
Information about the work
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Year:
1609-1610
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Execution technique:
oil on wood
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Location:
National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
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Theme:
baroque, religious painting, biblical story, betrayal, mythology, strength, betrayal and love
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The work depicts the dramatic moment of betrayal and loss of strength by the biblical hero, highlighting the contrast between innocence and treacherous intrigue. The symbolism and composition refer to the ideas of love and betrayal as forces shaping human fate.
The key to interpreting the work
The analysis should consider the biblical context, symbolism of the Venus statue, contrasts of light and shadow, and the emotional dynamics of the characters.See other works by this artist
Copy of Battle of Anghiari, the lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Year: 1603
Madonna and Child with the Donors Alexandre Goubeau and his wife Anne Antoni
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Year: 1604
