Samson and Delilah
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: about 1609-10
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Samson and Delilah" by Peter Paul Rubens. Painted in the Flemish style, it shows a tragic moment from the Old Testament where Samson's lover, Delilah, betrays him. The painting depicts the moment when Delilah, seated on a bed with her accompanist, instructs him to cut off Samson's hair while he sleeps. This leaves Samson powerless and vulnerable. Outside, soldiers are waiting to capture him.
Rubens uses highly contrasting light and shade to create a sense of drama and tension in the scene. The use of chiaroscuro highlights Delilah's beauty, but also emphasizes the darkness of her actions. Her accomplice is shown cutting off Samson's hair with delicate precision.
Interestingly, Rubens included an old woman behind Delilah who bears a striking likeness to her, possibly suggesting that she will one day lose the beauty that was Samson's downfall. This adds another layer of meaning to the painting and invites the viewer to consider the consequences of Delilah's actions.
The rich colours used in the painting were likely chosen to compete with the flickering flames of a fire, which would have been present in the private collection where it was originally hung. Rubens also borrowed from classical antiquity by including objects that evoke the atmosphere of ancient Rome.
See it in person
Samson and Delilah hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
