Samson by Valentin de Boulogne presents a contemplative vision of the biblical strongman. Samson gazes beyond the viewer, as if reflecting on the chain of violent and tragic events that have just unfolded. He may have only recently wielded the jawbone of a donkey to kill 1,000 Philistines—a moment of brutal triumph that was also deeply personal.

The key to understanding this act lies in the lion pelt draped beneath his arm. Earlier, Samson had killed a lion with his bare hands. When he later returned to the carcass, he found a swarm of bees and honey inside. This bizarre encounter inspired a riddle that he posed to his wedding guests—a riddle that ultimately led to betrayal. When his bride coaxed the answer from him, it set off a cascade of consequences: the death of his wife, his capture by his own people, and finally his violent escape from the Philistines using only a donkey’s jawbone.

This painting is one of de Boulogne’s final works, completed just two years before his untimely death. It is believed that Valentin used his own likeness for this introspective portrayal of the Old Testament hero. Commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, the painting contains subtle but deliberate nods to its patron: bees can be seen circling the lion’s pelt, and a golden bee-shaped clasp fastens Samson’s breastplate. These are clear allusions to the Barberini family crest, which famously features three bees on a blue field—firmly anchoring the biblical narrative in the context of 17th-century patronage and symbolism.