The artwork titled “Samson kills a young lion (Judges, XIV, 5 6)” is a masterful etching on paper created by the esteemed artist Marc Chagall around the year 1956 in France. This piece, measuring 26.8 by 32.9 centimeters, falls under the genre of religious painting and is part of the series “Etchings for the Bible” which spans two periods, specifically 1930-1939 and 1952-1956. The artwork is associated with the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement.
The etching depicts the biblical scene where Samson overpowers and kills a lion, capturing the intensity and dynamism of the confrontation. The composition is characterized by Chagall’s unique style, marked by expressive, flowing lines and a dramatic play of light and shadow. The figures are rendered with a raw, emotive energy that underscores the mythic nature of the subject. The background, rendered with a blend of abstract forms and subtle details, enhances the sense of otherworldly struggle between the human and animal figures. The overall impression is one of profound drama and spiritual resonance, true to the themes often explored by Chagall.
