Simson en Delila 1528

This image of Simson and Delila was made by Heinrich Aldegrever in 1528 using the technique of engraving. Engraving is an intaglio process, where the image is incised into a metal plate, typically copper, and then filled with ink to be printed. Here, the fine lines create a scene of betrayal, as Delila cuts Samson's hair, robbing him of his strength. The image is small, yet packed with detail, which speaks to the artist's skill with the burin, the tool used for cutting lines into the metal. Engraving was a key method for disseminating images in the Renaissance, and the labor-intensive process allowed for the reproduction of complex designs, making art more accessible. The level of detail achievable through engraving demonstrates the artist's command of material, imbuing the print with cultural significance beyond its narrative content. Appreciating the work involved challenges any high/low art distinctions.