Samson hævner sig på filistrene 1539 - 1584

Tobias Stimmer’s drawing, "Samson Avenging Himself on the Philistines," presents a scene dominated by dynamic movement and contrasting tones. The monochromatic palette, primarily executed in ink, heightens the drama of the biblical narrative, pushing a sense of chaos and violence. The composition is structured around a foreground filled with battling figures, their contorted bodies and clashing weapons creating a dense, almost claustrophobic space. Stimmer uses a range of cross-hatching and shading techniques to define the musculature of Samson, emphasizing his superhuman strength, and to differentiate the textures of armor and flesh. This meticulous attention to detail not only enlivens the scene but also serves to amplify the emotional intensity. Stimmer’s work engages with broader cultural and philosophical discourses, highlighting the themes of justice, retribution, and the tension between individual agency and divine will. The use of a semiotic system allows the scene to be read beyond its immediate visual impact, prompting reflection on enduring questions of morality, power, and the human condition.