Very large 17th century oil painting of Samson and Delilah after van Dyck

Expertly painted in the 17th century, the painting depicts a scene of Samson and Delilah first painted by the renowned Flemish artist, Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) in 1618/20. The original painting is now held in the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London.  

The painting depicts Samson who lies sleeping across the lap of Delilah as she instructs a barber to cut his hair. The biblical story recalled in the Book of Judges relates to the tale in which Samson is betrayed by his partner Deliah. Sent by the Philistines officials to trick him, Deliah hands him over to his Philistine enemies, who among other things, force him to grind grain in a mill. There God answers his prayers, returning strength to Samson who with his power brings down the columns supporting the temple of Dagon, collapsing the building and killing himself and the Philistines.  

The painting is rendered in vibrant colours, especially in the portrayal of Delilah. Her pale skin tone in addition to the light-coloured textiles covering the female’s body highlight her as one of the main subjects of the artwork. The canvas in unframed. 

Depicting an important biblical scene and inspired by an Old Master’s painting, this work of art would be a magnificent addition to the appropriate interior space.