
Peter Paul Rubens
Samson and Delilah
Creation
around 1612
Dimensions
43.2 x 37.3 cm
Material / Technique
paper/engraving
COURAGE: Rubens Prints III
prints, photographs
Location: R 316 Rubens Cabinet
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640)
Engraver
Jacob Matham (1571 - 1631)
About the object
Samson, a judge of Israel, was known for his extraordinary strength. His enemies, the Philistines, pressured his lover Delilah to ask about the source of his strength. At first Samson gave her false answers. But eventually he revealed the truth: his strength lay in his hair. Delilah then had his locks cut off while he slept and handed him over to his enemies. The Bible thus portrays her as the epitome of a deceitful woman who brings disaster on a hero.