Peter Paul Rubens - Samson and Delilah, 1609 (The National Gallery)
Anthony van Dyck - Samson and Delilah, 1619-20 (Dulwich Picture Gallery)It is often a useful exercise to compare and contrast treatments of the same subject by different artists in an effort to hone your skills of visual analysis. We have now collected three different versions of the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah but, for the purposes of this exercise, let's consider these two versions above. It seems clear that van Dyck would have been aware of Rubens' picture since he was employed in the master's studio in his early career. There are clearly similarities in the treatment of Samson's betrayal by Delilah, but also some interesting differences.
Why do you think these artists were so captivated by this particular Bible story?
What similarities can you see in these depictions of the story? What about the differences? How have both artists approached the treatment of light? How would you describe each artists' handling of paint?
In what sense do both of these paintings belong to the style called Baroque?
Here are a couple of other versions of the Samson and Delilah story, one by van Dyck later in his career and another by Rembrandt.
Anthony van Dyck - Samson and Delilah, 1630 (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
Rembrandt van Rijn - Samson and Delilah, 1630 (The Rijksmuseum)
Why do you think these artists were so captivated by this particular Bible story?
What similarities can you see in these depictions of the story? What about the differences? How have both artists approached the treatment of light? How would you describe each artists' handling of paint?
In what sense do both of these paintings belong to the style called Baroque?
Here are a couple of other versions of the Samson and Delilah story, one by van Dyck later in his career and another by Rembrandt.
Anthony van Dyck - Samson and Delilah, 1630 (Kunsthistorisches Museum)
Rembrandt van Rijn - Samson and Delilah, 1630 (The Rijksmuseum)
