The artwork, titled “Samson and Two Philistines,” was created by Michelangelo around the year 1540 in Rome, Italy. This sculpture belongs to the Mannerism movement of the Late Renaissance and is currently housed in the Bargello (Palazzo del Popolo) in Florence, Italy.
The striking sculpture vividly captures a scene of dramatic intensity, characteristic of the Mannerist style. It depicts the biblical figure Samson in a dynamic pose, overpowering two Philistines. Samson is portrayed in the act of delivering a powerful blow, his musculature tense and detailed, reflecting Michelangelo’s mastery in rendering the human form. The expressions on the figures’ faces convey a sense of struggle and turmoil, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. The intricate detailing and the dramatic composition illustrate Michelangelo’s skill in creating lifelike and powerful sculptures, offering a profound visual narrative steeped in historical and religious significance.
