Samson and the Philistine (recto and verso) c. 1560 - 1570

Curator: Here we have Jacopo Tintoretto's "Samson and the Philistine," a drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. It gives a first impression of raw energy and brutal strength. Editor: Absolutely. The materiality of the charcoal on this textured paper amplifies that feeling of immediacy and violent struggle. You can almost feel the pressure of the artist's hand. Curator: Indeed, the composition, with its dynamic poses and musculature, emphasizes the sheer force of Samson's triumph. Note how the upward thrust of his arm mirrors the Philistine's collapse. Editor: The layering of figures reveals the creative process, each stroke and shadow contributing to the dramatic narrative. It's a testament to the labor of creation itself. Curator: It’s also a study in light and shadow, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the figures. The formal arrangement enhances the symbolic weight of the biblical story. Editor: Studying the drawing reveals so much about the physical act of its making. Curator: A fascinating glimpse into Tintoretto's artistic practice. Editor: Indeed, a convergence of material and narrative.