St. Lawrence Joshua by Both himself

by Both himself

with suggestions including servant (the most universally accepted)

and depicts the moment when one of the Philistines tries to cut Samson's hair - the source of his strength - without waking him

A lost picture almost identical to this

This work owes much to Rubens' Samson and Delilah now in the National Gallery

St. Lawrence Joshua by Both himselfThis painting was attributed to Pietro da Cortona until 1880. Saint Lawrence of Rome (c. 225 258) was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome who were martyred during the persecution of Valerian in 258 AD. Tradition holds that Lawrence was burned or "grilled" to death, hence his association with the gridiron.