' Samson and Delilah ' Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish 1577-1640) Oil on canvas , circa 1609-1610 . The National Gallery , London

...Samson , the Jewish hero , fell in love with Delilah . She was bribed by the Philistines , and discovered that his strength came from his hair which had never been cut . While he was asleep it was cut , Samson was drained of his strength and the Philistines were able to capture him.(Old Testament , Judges 16: 17-20 ) Rubens depicts a candlelit interior , the Philistines wait at the door , one of their number cuts Samson's hair , while an elderly woman provides extra light . In a niche behind is a statue of the goddess of love , Venus with Cupid - a reference to the cause of Samson's fate .....This painting was commissioned by Nicolaas Rockox , alderman of Antwerp , for his town house in 1609-10 . It shows the influence of the antique , as well as Michelangelo and Caravaggio . There is a preparatory drawing ( private collection , Amsterdam) and a modello ( Cincinnati Museum of Art )