Samson and Delilah c. 1626 - 1630
rembrandtvanrijn
charcoal drawing
possibly oil pastel
charcoal art
oil painting
acrylic on canvas
portrait head and shoulder
underpainting
portrait drawing
charcoal
portrait art
Rembrandt van Rijn's "Samson and Delilah" (c. 1626-1630) depicts the biblical story of the strongman Samson, betrayed by his lover Delilah. The painting captures the moment when Samson, weakened by Delilah's treachery, is being captured. Rembrandt's use of chiaroscuro, with dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, adds to the tension and drama of the scene. This work exemplifies Rembrandt's early style, characterized by dramatic lighting and psychological depth.
Comments
This scene represents the biblical story of the Israelite Samson and the Philistine Delilah. Delilah seduced Samson and lured him into revealing the secret of his superhuman strength, which he would lose if his hair were cut. Without his long hair he would be like any other mortal. Rembrandt painted Samson asleep on Delilah’s lap. She grasps Samson’s hair and signals the approaching man with scissors to be quiet.
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