Dan, from the series The Twelve Patriarchs 1550

"Dan," from the series *The Twelve Patriarchs* (1550), is an etching by the Dutch Renaissance artist Maarten van Heemskerck. The print depicts the Biblical patriarch Dan, seated on a throne with a scepter and gazing intently at a scene of violence unfolding in front of him. Dan's presence evokes a sense of authority, possibly alluding to his role as a leader within the twelve tribes of Israel. The chaotic scene in the foreground includes a man being trampled by a horse, a serpent, and other details that further emphasize Dan’s weighty presence. The artist utilizes the classic techniques of Renaissance etching to depict a biblical scene with detailed anatomical realism and dynamic compositions. This print offers a visual commentary on the story of Dan, while showcasing the artistic prowess of Van Heemskerck.