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But maybe Delilah will pay for her treachery. The profile of the old woman behind her is a striking but withered likeness of her own, perhaps suggesting that she will one day lose the beauty that was Samson’s downfall.
During a visit to Italy, Rubens had seen Caravaggio’s experiments in the use of highly contrasting light and shade, and deep, rich colour. On his return, he used these new techniques to paint Samson and Delilah, commissioned by his friend and patron, Nicolaas II Rockox, the mayor of Antwerp, for his private collection.
Title
Samson and Delilah
Date
about 1609-10
Medium
Oil on wood
Measurements
H 185 x W 205 cm
Accession number
NG6461
Acquisition method
Bought, 1980
Work type
Painting