Bray Solomon de (1597 Amsterdam – 1664 Haarlem) – Samson with jawbone (62x51 cm) 1636 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose against a dark, undefined background. He is depicted with a dramatic intensity, his gaze directed upwards and slightly to the left, suggesting a moment of recollection or revelation. The lighting is theatrical; a strong light source illuminates the face and upper torso, casting deep shadows that accentuate the contours and emphasize the emotional weight of the scene.
The man’s hair is long, dark, and unruly, falling around his shoulders in thick waves. A full beard and mustache frame a face marked by evident strain – the brow furrowed, the mouth slightly open as if mid-exhalation. The skin tone appears flushed, hinting at exertion or inner turmoil. He wears a simple, loosely draped garment that reveals portions of his chest and upper arms. His hands are clasped around an object held close to his body; it is clearly a large bone, its texture rendered with considerable detail.
The artist’s handling of paint is characterized by visible brushstrokes, particularly in the rendering of hair and fabric, contributing to a sense of immediacy and dynamism. The color palette is restrained, dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and grays – punctuated by highlights of pale skin and the bones off-white hue.
Beyond the literal depiction, several subtexts emerge. The figure’s posture and expression convey a complex mix of strength and vulnerability. While his grip on the bone suggests power and resilience – perhaps referencing a past triumph – the upward gaze and strained features imply a burden or consequence associated with that victory. There is an element of introspection present; he seems to be confronting something internal, recalling a significant event that has left its mark. The darkness surrounding him isolates the figure, intensifying his emotional state and suggesting themes of solitude and reckoning. The bone itself becomes a symbol – a tangible reminder of past actions and their repercussions.