Samson and the Philistines 1545 - 1555

Michelangelo made this bronze sculpture, Samson and the Philistines, to explore a powerful biblical story. The choice of bronze is significant. Michelangelo used the lost-wax casting method, a labor-intensive process involving creating a wax model, encasing it in plaster, melting out the wax, and pouring molten bronze into the void. This demanded expertise and time from the artist, along with the skilled artisans in his workshop, reflecting a significant investment. Bronze allows for the detailed depiction of the muscular figures, capturing the tension and drama of the scene. The sculpture's weight and solidity underscore the brute force of Samson's struggle. The dark patina of the bronze adds to the emotional intensity, evoking a sense of conflict and suffering. Considering the social context, bronze casting was often associated with prestige and power. Michelangelo's choice of this material elevates the subject matter, blending the biblical narrative with classical artistic traditions, creating a work that transcends the boundaries of craft and high art.