Samson Breaking the Lion's Jaw. The Lion 1628 - 1629

Willem Panneels' "Samson Breaking the Lion's Jaw" is a detailed black chalk and red chalk drawing from 1628-1629 depicting the biblical story of Samson's encounter with the lion. The artist's skillful use of shading and linework creates a lifelike portrayal of the lion's powerful musculature and its pain as Samson breaks its jaw. This artwork demonstrates the artistic skill of Panneels, a Flemish artist who was active in the early 17th century and known for his drawings and engravings, and is now housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.