Triumph over Evil: Samson Rending the Lion | Pluto and Cerberus
c. 1555
Medium
paint
Dimensions
h 46.8cm × w 15.1cm
Classification
painting
Museum
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
About this artwork
The young, beardless Samson ripped a ferocious lion apart with just his bare hands. In Heemskerck’s time, this story was regarded as the forerunner (prefiguration) of Christ’s victory over the devil. Pluto, recognizable by his three-headed dog Cerberus, was the guardian of the underworld in classical mythology. In the 16th century he was also identified with the devil from Christianity.
Art Historical Context
In the compact yet dynamic painting *Triumph over Evil Samson Rending the Lion Pluto and Cerberus (c. 1555), Dutch Mannerist artist Maarten van Heemskerck masterfully juxtaposes biblical heroism and classical mythology. The youthful, beardless Samson tears apart a roaring lion with his bare hands a feat captured in dramatic tension. Below or alongside, Pluto—god of the underworld, identifiable by his snarling three-headed dog Cerberusevokes infernal depths. This narrow panel (46.8 × 15.1 cm), likely oil on panel, showcases Heemskerck's skill in small-scale works, influenced by his Roman travel...