Delilah holding Samson's hair and a pair of scissors 1620 - 1630

Editor: Here we have "Delilah holding Samson's hair and a pair of scissors", an intaglio print by Giuseppe Caletti, called Cremonese, dating from 1620 to 1630. The print's composition is striking, especially the way Delilah’s gaze contrasts with Samson’s vulnerable slumber. What catches your eye when you examine this piece? Curator: Initially, the graphic quality asserts itself. Observe the artist's strategic deployment of line: hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling. Each technique generates not merely form, but affects the perceived volume and weight. Note how Caletti directs our gaze to key narrative elements, namely Samson's flowing locks. Do you perceive any tension in the textural treatment of hair versus drapery? Editor: Definitely. Samson's hair seems softer, more fluid, compared to the almost metallic quality of his garments. What do you think is the reason? Curator: Precisely! A compelling divergence. Samson's virility is indexed through his abundant tresses. Its texture thus invites a sensuous reading. The garments by contrast project material opulence—silk or damask perhaps—while Samson seems divested of power. His material vulnerability is apparent. Editor: The way Caletti uses line to differentiate texture and highlight key elements of the story gives a fresh look into this tale! Thanks for walking me through the artistry of the print. Curator: Indeed. Close visual analysis refines our understanding. We discover Caletti has crafted a composition as artful as it is symbolic, subtly undermining our expectations, focusing on both beauty and its loss.