Samson pulling down the Temple
Italian (Venetian) School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1500 - 1529
Materials
Oil on panel
Measurements
267 x 978 mm (10 1/2 x 38 1/2 in)
Order this imageCollection
Charlecote Park, Warwickshire
NT 533894
Caption
Samson, having been blinded by the Philistines, was brought out so as to be mocked by the people. In order to rest, he was taken to a pillar by a boy, where he prayed for vengeance. His hair, having been shorn, had grown back a little, and so he had regained some of his strength. As he gripped the pillar, the temple collapsed, killing both him and many of his enemies. The episode was used as a prefiguration of the mocking of Christ. It is not possible to identify the artist of this picture, but it was someone who was working close to Titian. Given its small scale, it seems likely that it may have been used to decorate a piece of furniture, such as a chest.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, Samson pulling down the Temple, Italian (Venetian) School, early 16th century. Samson, bound to a column, is about to destroy the Temple; next to Samson is another figure, at the left, figures are tumbling from the first storey as it begins to give way; a paved floor stretches the length of the composition; at either side are landscape views with more classical structures on the right. A pair with 533893 (CHA/P/80). In a long rectangular ornate gilt wooden frame. Hanging from picture chains. According to sale catalogue: from Grimani Villas, Genoa; bought by George Lucy from the dealer Samuel Woodburn in 1837/9 as Schiavone for £1,500; bought in at Christie's, 1st June 1945, lot 38, as Titian, with companion: £220; on loan from Sir Edmund Fairfax-Lucy (b. 1949)
Provenance
On loan from Sir Edmund Fairfax-Lucy, 6th Bt (b. 1945).
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: inscribed with Christie's stencil : 413 HN
Makers and roles
Italian (Venetian) School , artist previously catalogued as attributed to Andrea Schiavone (Zadar c.1500 - Venice 1563), artist previously catalogued as attributed to Titian (Pieve di Cadore 1488/90 - Venice 1576), artist