Samson and Delilah 1506

Albrecht Altdorfer's "Samson and Delilah" is a pen and ink drawing from 1506 that portrays the biblical story of Samson, the strongman, betrayed by Delilah. The drawing depicts the moment when Delilah cuts Samson's hair, stripping him of his strength. The detail of a fortified city in the background suggests a connection between the vulnerability of Samson and the loss of power in a besieged city. Altdorfer's masterful use of line to create detail and texture is evident in this drawing, which is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.