Judah with the Head of Adonibezek, from Willem van Haecht, Tyrannorum proemia, 1578 1578

Hieronymus Wierix’s 1578 engraving, *Judah with the Head of Adonibezek*, depicts a scene from the Book of Judges in the Bible. The engraving features a dramatic portrayal of the biblical figure Judah, holding the severed head of Adonibezek, King of Bezek, who was defeated in battle and punished for his cruelty. The scene is set in a landscape, with the background showcasing a dramatic mountainous view. Wierix’s work was commissioned by Willem van Haecht for his illustrated volume *Tyrannorum proemia*, which examines the punishments of tyrants in history. The engraving is a fine example of Northern Renaissance printmaking and captures the graphic violence that was popular during the era. The use of intricate detail and dramatic composition create a powerful and enduring image.