Samson Puts Down the Pillars c. 1896 - 1902

"Samson Puts Down the Pillars" is a watercolor painting by James Tissot, created between 1896 and 1902. The artwork depicts the biblical story of Samson, a powerful Israelite warrior, bringing down the pillars of a Philistine temple, killing himself and his enemies in the process. Tissot's portrayal emphasizes the dramatic action of Samson's final act, with the collapsing pillars and the panicked crowd creating a sense of chaos and destruction. The meticulous detail and bright colors characteristic of Tissot's work bring this story to life.