David Aronson, Blind Samson, 1961, bronze, 24 5⁄8 x 19 x 14 1⁄2 in. (62.5 x 48.3 x 36.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David Aronson, 1966.74.1
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Blind Samson
- Artist
- Date
- 1961
- Location
- Dimensions
- 24 5⁄8 x 19 x 14 1⁄2 in. (62.5 x 48.3 x 36.8 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of David Aronson
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- bronze
- Classifications
- Subjects
- State of being — disabled — blind
- Religion — Old Testament — Samson
- Object Number
- 1966.74.1
Artwork Description
According to the Old Testament, Samson was a powerful Jewish leader who fell in love with the Philistine princess Delilah. When she found that the source of Samson’s strength was his uncut hair, she betrayed him to Philistine soldiers, who cut his locks, gouged out his eyes, and put him on display. David Aronson chose to represent the two figures as they were after Delilah’s betrayal. The faces and postures of Aronson’s roughly modeled, abstract figures express the violence and tragedy of the scene.