Samson
Valentin de Boulogne·1630–31
Historical Context
Valentin de Boulogne's Samson from 1630-31 depicts the Old Testament strongman whose story of betrayal and divine vengeance provided dramatic material for Baroque painters. Valentin, the greatest of the French Caravaggists working in Rome, brought a distinctly melancholic sensibility to biblical subjects. His premature death in 1632, reportedly from fever after falling into a fountain while drunk, cut short the career of the most talented Caravaggio follower.
Technical Analysis
Valentin's oil-on-canvas technique employs powerful Caravaggesque chiaroscuro with the muscular figure of Samson emerging dramatically from deep shadow. The bold, physical paint handling and concentrated lighting create an image of raw power that exemplifies Valentin's ability to humanize biblical heroes.
Provenance
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio; Edoardo Almagià [b. 1928], Rome, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art; Probably Roberto Almagià [1883-1947], by descent to his son, Edoardo Almagià 1; Ing. Dr. Edoardo Almagià [b. 1841], Rome, by descent to his son Roberto Almagià, or grandson, Edoardo Almagià 1; (Galleria Sangiorgi, Rome, Sciarra sale, March 28, 1899, fifth sale, no. 363, sold to Edoardo Almagià) 1; Colonna di Sciarra family, Rome 1; Cardinals Francesco [1597 –1679] and Antonio Barberini [1607-1671], by inheritance within the Barberini family, Rome 1
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