Samson Slaying a Philistine

In The V&A

In the V&A (The Victoria and Albert Museum) in Kensington in London. this is a sculpture I come back to again and again.

It is Samson Slaying a Philistine, sculpted in about 1562 by Giovanni Bologna, who was called Giambologna (1529-1608)

I have looked at this sculpture and admired it many times. I try to understand the movement. Every muscle is how it should be. The position of the two reflects exactly what is going on. I try to work out how Samson would strike at the man without his own forearm getting in the way? How would he twist him to accomplish his task? And it is a task. He has no sympathy for the man. The die is cast and he is going to kill him. It is so powerful.

Here is the text on the plinth:

Giambologna, working at the court of the Medici grand-dukes of Tuscany, became the most famous and influential sculptor of his day. This spectacular marble group, made for Francesco de’ Medici, was his first major commission. In it, he achieved his ambition to create a two-figure group in movement, with several different viewpoints. Originally placed atop a fountain in the herb garden of Francesco’s palace in Florence, the group was sent to Spain in 1601 as a diplomatic gift.

A Night At The Museum

When Tamara and I were at the V&A in the evening just a few days ago, I photographed the Medieval and Renaissance gallery from a distance.

It was shortly before closing time and there was no one about. I propped the camera on the information desk and held it steady.

And I am pleased with the result that shows the sculptures in action and yet locked in place.