Beeld van Simson en de Filistijnen c. 1657 - 1658

This drawing of Samson and the Philistines was created by Moses ter Borch in the mid-17th century using pen and brush in grey ink. The starkness of the grey ink washes against the blank paper creates a dramatic scene of brute force, the biblical Samson towering over his subdued enemy. Ter Borch's choice of medium and technique speak volumes about the work's cultural significance. During this period, drawings were often preparatory studies for larger paintings or prints. But here, the artist has used the medium to explore themes of power, conflict, and human form. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the raw physicality of the figures, their muscles rendered with careful attention to light and shadow. The starkness of the ink mirrors the brutality of the scene, highlighting the tensions between the oppressor and the oppressed. In appreciating this drawing, it's crucial to recognize the ways in which Ter Borch's artistic choices elevate it beyond mere illustration, imbuing it with layers of social and political meaning that resonate to this day.