Samson And Delilah Matthias Stom (Stomer) (c.1600-aft.1652)

The composition centers around a dramatic moment of betrayal and vulnerability. A muscular man lies prostrate on a low platform, his head turned downwards in apparent exhaustion or pain. His body is partially exposed, revealing the extent of his physical defeat. He appears to be resting his head on a pile of what seems to be discarded fabrics.
A woman stands over him, her gaze fixed intently upon his hair. She holds sharp shears poised above his head, suggesting an imminent act of violence and symbolic disempowerment. Her expression is complex – it’s difficult to discern whether she feels pity, triumph, or a mixture of both. The light illuminates her face, drawing attention to this ambiguity.
An older woman stands behind the younger one, observing the scene with a knowing, almost conspiratorial look. She is shrouded in shadow, adding an element of mystery and suggesting a role as facilitator or accomplice in the unfolding drama. A partially obscured figure lurks in the background, seemingly witnessing the event from a distance; his face is cast in deep shadow, hinting at complicity or perhaps regret.
The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – browns, ochres, and muted reds – which contribute to the overall sense of intimacy and tension. The lighting is dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow that heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. The darkness surrounding the figures emphasizes their isolation and the clandestine nature of their actions.
Beyond the literal depiction of an act of betrayal, the painting explores themes of power, deception, and vulnerability. The man’s physical strength is rendered useless in the face of manipulation and deceit. The woman embodies a dangerous allure, while the older figure represents the wisdom or perhaps the cynicism that enables such acts to occur. The scene suggests a commentary on the fragility of even the most formidable individuals when confronted with calculated treachery.