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Introduction
These three dramatic depictions of the biblical story of Samson and Delilah demonstrate the role that oil sketches played in Rubens's development of subjects and compositions in preparation for a finished work of art. In about 1609, after first working out his ideas in a pen-and-ink sketch, Rubens painted the highly detailed modello of Samson and Delilah, which he showed to his patron for approval before commencing the final large painting. A few years after the final painting was completed, this modello was used by the Dutch printmaker Jacob Matham to make an engraving after Rubens's composition. In the Capture of Samson sketch, probably also painted in about 1609, Rubens explores the next moment in the narrative.
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Peter Paul Rubens
Samson and Delilah, probably 1609
Oil on panel, 52.1 x 50.5 cm
Cincinnati Art Museum, Mr. and Mrs. Harry S. Leyman Endowment,
acc. no. 1972.459
About this work
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Jacob Matham after Peter Paul Rubens
Samson and Delilah, probably 1613
Engraving, 37.5 x 44.1 cm
Cincinnati Art Museum, The Harry S. Leyman and Eva Belle Leyman Fund, acc. no. 1973.740M
About this work
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