Simson en Delila 1635 - 1644

Hendrik Snyers created this engraving of Samson and Delilah, probably in the mid-17th century. This print depicts a biblical scene of betrayal and male vulnerability. Samson, the strong man, is overcome by his enemies after Delilah cuts his hair, the source of his power. This image participates in the visual culture of its time, reminding viewers of the dangers of female deceit and the importance of male strength. The style is indebted to the Italian Baroque, which emphasized drama and emotion to impress upon viewers the lessons of faith. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the political and religious tensions of the period, when questions of morality and national identity were hotly contested in the public sphere. It is interesting to note that, for all the drama of the moment, the dog in the foreground seems unconcerned, perhaps a commentary on how used people had become to displays of violence. To better understand this print, we can consult historical texts, religious commentaries, and art historical studies that illuminate the complex web of cultural meanings in which it was created and circulated.