Triumph over Death: Samson Carrying the Gate of Gaza | Hercules Slaying the Centaur Nessus — Maarten van Heemskerck

Maarten van Heemskerck. Painted c. 1555.

Samson escaped his murderers by wrenching apart the city gate of Gaza hinges and all, and running up the hill. In Heemskerk’s time this scene was considered as the forerunner (prefiguration) of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Hercules also triumphs over deathhere. He kills the centaur Nessus, whose poisonous blood would prove fatal to Hercules years later, resulting in his eternal life on Mount Olympus.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in Renaissance in the Netherlands, Main building, Middle Ages and Renaissance.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 15.9 × 46.6 cm · Purchased with the support of H.B. van der Ven, The Hague

Print: 21 × 61.5 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200749724. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.