Samson Pulling down the House on the Philistines 16th-17th century

Curator: Let's discuss Anton Wierix II's engraving, "Samson Pulling down the House on the Philistines." The dense etching makes the scene incredibly impactful. What stands out to you? Editor: The sheer destruction, definitely. It’s chaotic, and Samson is right in the middle of it all, seemingly powering this collapse. How did Wierix's process impact the final product? Curator: Consider the labor: the physical act of carving these lines into the metal plate, the printmaking process. Note the deliberate and skillful work of Wierix II to make the scene look convincing given the technology of the time. Editor: That makes me appreciate the work even more. It is a testament to the artist's technical skills, and how laborious the entire process was. Thanks for the insights! Curator: My pleasure. It’s all about understanding how the work was made, and how that process shapes its meaning.