Marriage of Samson and the Philistine, from the Story of Samson 1555 - 1585

This print, "Marriage of Samson and the Philistine," is part of the Story of Samson, an anonymous work. It presents an intriguing interplay of form and content. Visually, the artwork is dominated by an ornate, oval frame that encapsulates the central scene. Within the frame, the composition is structured around the figures of Samson and his bride, emphasizing the ritual of marriage through gesture and placement. The artist uses line and color to define the figures and architecture, creating a sense of depth and narrative progression. The print destabilizes the traditional heroic image of Samson. By presenting the marriage as a central motif, the artist engages with themes of betrayal and the subversion of power. The formal elements—the framing, the composition, and the use of color—serve to underscore the complex dynamics at play, inviting us to question fixed meanings and interpretations of the biblical narrative. The intricate detailing of the frame, with its repetitive patterns, functions as a visual code, signaling both the constraints and the possibilities of interpretation within cultural and religious contexts.