Samson and the Lion c. 1475

"Samson and the Lion" is an engraving by the German artist Israhel van Meckenem, dated circa 1475. The print depicts the biblical story of Samson, a strongman known for his great strength, as he wrestles a lion with his bare hands. Van Meckenem meticulously portrays the muscular tension of Samson's body and the ferocity of the lion, creating a dynamic scene that is both captivating and evocative. The background setting features a distant castle, adding a sense of epic scale to the narrative. This work is a prime example of the detailed style and expressive detail often seen in German engravings of the late 15th century.