Artwork
Delilah cutting Samsons hair
Delilah cutting Samsons hair is an oil painting by Andries Cornelis Lens. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
About this work
Overview
Delilah cutting Samson's hair is an oil painting created by Andries Cornelis Lens around 1789. It is part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a biblical scene: Delilah cutting Samson's hair as he sleeps. Three figures are shown in a dimly lit room, with Delilah in a white dress cutting Samson's hair with scissors. The scene captures a tense moment from the narrative.
Technique & Style
Lens worked in the Neoclassical tradition, drawing from 16th-century classical influences and Raphael. The painting features dark blues and earthy tones, with the subject's faces and hands highlighted by focused lighting, creating a contrast with the surrounding shadows.
History & Provenance
Lens was a Flemish painter and art educator known for his history paintings and portraits. He contributed to the revival of painting in Flanders through his work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andries Cornelis Lens or André Corneille Lens (Antwerp, 31 March 1739 – Brussels, 30 March 1822) was a Flemish painter, illustrator, art theoretician and art educator.
Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
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