The artwork titled “Samson Slays a Thousand Men” was created by James Tissot, an artist associated with the Symbolism movement, between circa 1896 and circa 1902. The medium employed is gouache on board, and the piece belongs to the genre of religious painting.
The artwork depicts a dramatic biblical scene where Samson, a figure renowned for his extraordinary strength, stands triumphant over a multitude of defeated enemies. He is portrayed in the foreground, his muscular physique highlighted by his traditional attire adorned with fringes and decorations, indicative of his era. Samson’s expression is one of fierce determination as he wields the jawbone of a donkey, the makeshift weapon with which he has vanquished his foes. The ground around him is littered with the bodies of a thousand men, their forms rendered with meticulous detail, conveying the intensity and scale of the battle. The background features a rugged landscape under a tumultuous sky, adding to the overall sense of drama and tension in the scene. The use of gouache gives the artwork a rich texture and depth, enhancing its vivid portrayal of this legendary act of strength.
