Roundel with Delilah Cutting the Hair of Samson

Art Historical Context

This exquisite stained glass roundel, created by an unknown North Netherlandish artist around1520–25, the pivotal biblical moment from the Book of Judges when Delilah betrays Samson by cutting his hair, the source of his superhuman strength. The intimate scene shows Delilah wielding scissors with focused intent as Samson slumbers, surrounded by rich details of figures and drapery that heighten the drama of betrayal and vulnerability. A hallmark of early 16th-century Netherlandish glassmaking, this 9 5/16-inch (23.7 cm) circle likely designed for a domestic window, where roundels like this bro...