Eerste voorwendsel: de nieuwe akker Possibly 1558 - 1633

"Eerste voorwendsel: de nieuwe akker" (First Pretext: the New Field), a 16th-century engraving by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, depicts a scene from the biblical story of Samson. The image shows the strongman Samson being tricked by Delilah, who has him shaved, weakening his supernatural strength. The detailed engraving is characteristic of Coornhert's style and features a strong use of light and shadow to create depth. The image's composition is dynamic, with Samson and Delilah set against a background of a fortified city. The engraving was likely created to illustrate a book or pamphlet on the story of Samson.