Samson (or Hercules?) 1595 - 1616

Jacques Bellange made this drawing, "Samson (or Hercules?)" in the early 17th century using pen and brown ink with brown wash and white gouache. Bellange was working at a time when the traditional representations of masculinity were being questioned, especially within religious and mythological contexts. His figures, like this Samson or Hercules, often display an androgynous quality. With the ambiguity of the title, this image invites us to consider how identity is constructed through both strength and vulnerability. Is it Samson, the biblical figure whose power was tied to his hair? Or Hercules, the Roman hero known for his strength and labors? The use of light and shadow adds to the drama, emphasizing the emotional and psychological weight of the figure. Bellange encourages us to explore the multifaceted nature of these archetypal figures and to think more broadly about the complexities inherent in the performance of identity itself.