artthroughtheages:

Samson and Delilah by Rubens

1609; 185 x 205cm oil on wood

National Gallery, London

 

About the artist:

Cultured and charismatic, Rubens was the most influential artist of the Baroque era. A Flemish artist, he lived in Italy from 1600-08. In 1609 he was appointed court painter to the archduke Albert of Austria, who gave him many artistic and diplomatic commissions. In 1629, he was knighted by Charles I of England. More than any other artist, he bridged the gap between Northern and Southern Europe.

 

 About the artwork:

Rubens was only 31 when he painted this magnificent work, which resonates with the enthusiastic and energetic talent that brought him honours and riches. The picture tells the Old Testament story of the downfall of Samson, the superhuman Israelite warrior who was the scourge of the Philistines. Samson’s ruin was caused by his lust for Delilah, who beguiled him into revealing the secret source of his strength – his uncut hair. The artist depicts the tense moment when the first lock is cut and the soldiers prepare to gouge out his eyes. When his hair grew back, Samson used his strength to destroy the Philistines’ temple, killing himself while taking his revenge.