Jael and Sisera 1577 - 1614

Hans von Aachen's "Jael and Sisera" (1577-1614) is a pen and ink drawing depicting a scene from the Book of Judges in the Bible. It portrays the moment when Jael, a woman from the tribe of Kenite, kills Sisera, the Canaanite general, by driving a tent peg into his head. The drawing is characterized by detailed hatching and cross-hatching, creating a sense of volume and depth. The figures are rendered with a dynamic energy, emphasizing the dramatic moment of the story. This drawing, part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst, is a masterful example of von Aachen's skill in capturing the essence of biblical narratives through his art.