Samson and Delilah, c. 1519

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Woodcutexpand_more

Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1926expand_more  P.10,599

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Samson conquered a lion bare-handed, which makes his vulnerability to the wily Delilah especially ironic. His story epitomizes the misery that comes from yielding to passion. Samson is so smitten that he foolishly tells Delilah the secret of his strength (his hair), information she will sell to his enemies. Although she does not do the hair-cutting in the Bible, artists typically give this villainy to her. After a picnic, she weakens the great hero who had an unfortunate weakness for women.

Details
Title
Samson and Delilah
Artist Life
1473–1531
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.10,599
Catalogue Raisonne
Holl. 5 i/iib; B.6, 201 ill.B 6
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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