Samson’s story revolves around his divine strength, granted by God through a Nazarene vow that included never cutting his hair. His lover, Delilah, betrayed him by luring him into revealing this secret, and she had his seven locks of hair cut off while he slept. This broke his vow, caused him to lose his strength, and the Philistines captured and blinded him. However, his hair grew back while he was a prisoner, and he was able to use this restored strength one last time to topple the temple, killing himself and thousands of Philistines (from AI).

sleeping Samson having his locks cut off: oil on canvas 35.5″ x 29.5″

Delilah peering around the drape at Samson: 32.25 x 32.25

source: two color photos with dimensions of finished works written en verso

graphite on paper sketch, source:The Grell Spiral Sketchbooks collection (Romano / Schmidt; acquired in 2025)