Samson Taken by the Philistines in Delilah's House - Louis-Marin Bonnet

A detailed 1767 etching by Louis-Marin Bonnet depicting the biblical capture of Samson, based on a design by Charles Eisen.

This print by Louis-Marin Bonnet, dated 1767, depicts the biblical narrative of Samson being captured by Philistine soldiers within the residence of Delilah. The composition is based on a drawing by Charles Eisen, which itself draws inspiration from the stylistic conventions established by Anthony van Dyck. The scene captures a moment of high tension: Samson is shown in a state of physical struggle, surrounded by armed men, while Delilah remains positioned on a couch, observing the capture.

Bonnet was a French engraver known for his technical skill in reproducing the appearance of drawings and paintings through printmaking. This work demonstrates his ability to translate complex tonal values and dramatic lighting into the medium of etching and engraving. The figures are rendered with anatomical precision, and the use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth within the interior setting. The inclusion of a small dog near the couch and the torch held aloft by one of the soldiers adds specific narrative details that ground the scene in a domestic, albeit chaotic, environment.

Below the main image, the print features an inscription dedicating the work to Monsieur de Sartine, who served as the Lieutenant General of Police in Paris at the time. This dedication reflects the social and political context of eighteenth-century French print culture, where artists often sought patronage from figures of authority. The work is printed on a blue-toned paper, a common practice for Bonnet, which provides a neutral background that allows the black ink to define the forms and textures of the drapery, armour, and human figures. The print serves as a record of the collaborative nature of eighteenth-century art production, involving the original draughtsman, the engraver, and the patron.