Triumph over Evil: Samson Rending the Lion | Pluto and Cerberus — Maarten van Heemskerck

Maarten van Heemskerck. Painted c. 1550 - c. 1560.

The young, beardless Samson ripped a ferocious lion apart with just his bare hands. In Heemskerck’s time, this story was regarded as the forerunner (prefiguration) of Christ’s victory over the devil. Pluto, recognizable by his three-headed dog Cerberus, was the guardian of the underworld in classical mythology. In the 16th century he was also identified with the devil from Christianity.

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

panel, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 16 × 46.8 cm

Print: 21 × 61.4 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/200109360. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.