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Scenes from the Life of Christ: Disrobing Youths from the Entry into Jerusalem, Flagellation, and Angel at the Sepulchre by http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/e4bfaaf6bc8ba98ae3a741dd7194450d

http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/e4bfaaf6bc8ba98ae3a741dd7194450d · 1250-01-01

This tempera painting, "Scenes from the Life of Christ: Disrobing Youths from the Entry into Jerusalem, Flagellation, and Angel at the Sepulchre," holds a fascinating secret. Though part of a larger series devoted to the life of Christ, this particular panel features a scene from the Old Testament: Samson. Painted around 1250, its vibrant colors and stylized figures are typical of medieval art. You can see Samson, identified by the inscription above him, standing with a lion.

Look for the banner at the top of the central figure. The inscription 'SAMSON' clearly names the Old Testament hero. Including Samson in a Christological series was a common practice in medieval art, drawing parallels and highlighting how figures like Samson were seen as prefigurations of Christ.

Created using tempera, a durable medium with an egg-yolk binder, this artwork has retained its brightness for centuries. The gold-leaf background, sharp black outlines, and angular architectural details are characteristic of the period. This work is housed in a private collection.

What other hidden stories might older artworks tell?

Details

It was part of a series telling the life of Christ.
It was part of a series telling the life of Christ.
But look closely at the banner above the main figure.
But look closely at the banner above the main figure.
The text clearly says 'SAMSON'.
The text clearly says 'SAMSON'.
A heraldic symbol on the left margin, hinting at lineage or affiliation, adding a layer of historical context.
A heraldic symbol on the left margin, hinting at lineage or affiliation, adding a layer of historical context.
The dominant yellow hue creates a sense of divine light or sacredness, common in religious iconography.
The dominant yellow hue creates a sense of divine light or sacredness, common in religious iconography.
Transcript

This painting is over 750 years old. It was part of a series telling the life of Christ. But look closely at the banner above the main figure. The text clearly says 'SAMSON'. Samson, the Old Testament strongman, appears in a Christ story. This connects their stories, a common practice in medieval art.