Samson betrayed by Delilah by Rembrandt
This is Rembrandt's "Samson Betrayed by Delilah," painted around 1629. The artwork powerfully captures the biblical narrative of Samson's downfall.
Look at Samson's face, contorted in horror and realization. Notice Delilah's hand gripping his hair, the shears poised to cut. The soldier in the background marks the imminent capture.
This oil painting was documented in the collection of Frederick Henry of Orange by 1632. It later passed through royal collections before finding its permanent home in Berlin.
Rembrandt uses dramatic light and shadow to heighten the emotional intensity of this intimate betrayal.
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Transcript
He is the strongest man, and she cuts his hair. Samson's face shows horror and betrayal. Her hand grips his hair tightly. The shears are sharp and metallic. A soldier waits for the moment. Delilah looks up with a complex expression. Rembrandt painted this in 1629. He lost everything in this embrace.