Samson and Delilah

c. 1540

Niccolò Boldrini after Titian

Associated Names
Nicolò Boldrini

Artist, Italian, born c. 1510, active c. 1530 - c. 1570

Titian

Artist After, Venetian, 1488/1490 - 1576

This is a drawing of multiple figures engaged in a dramatic scene. The composition includes a group of characters with expressive faces and postures, gathered around a central figure who appears to be in distress. This figure is kneeling at the forefront, surrounded by others who are either supporting or restraining him. There is a sense of tension and movement in the image, with individuals leaning in or pulling away. The setting includes architectural elements in the background, such as walls or columns, and a hint of a landscape with distant structures visible. The use of fine lines and shading creates depth and texture, enhancing the emotions conveyed through the characters' interactions and the narrative moment captured. The style of this drawing is likely influenced by classical or Renaissance art traditions, emphasizing human anatomy and drama.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30.7 x 49.7 cm (12 1/16 x 19 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1983.93.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Passavant, no. 5


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Friedrich August II (Lugt 971)

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1986

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., February 1986.

2019

  • Venetian Prints in the Time of Tintoretto, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2019.

Bibliography

1860

  • Passavant, Johann David. Le peintre-graveur, contenant l'histoire de la gravure sur bois, sur metalet au buring jusque vers la fin du XVI siecle .... 6 vols. Leipzig: Rudolph Weigel, 1860-1864.

1959

  • Passavant, vol.6, p.223, no.5.

Inscriptions

lower left verso in graphite: P.VI.223.5 / W / MG-83-34-HPEH-HE / [?] P II Vol3 [?] 261. / [?]; lower right verso: [?]

Watermarks

6 pointed star

Wikidata ID

Q74044486

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