Samson from Heroes and Heroines of the Old Testament 1592 - 1602

Nicolaes Braeu created this print of Samson around the turn of the 17th century, using the technique of engraving. This process involves incising lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you'll see the characteristic crispness and precision of the engraved line. This method demands considerable skill and control, and the final image is entirely dependent on the engraver’s hand. The density of lines creates shading and volume, bringing Samson to life. The engraving process was a key technology for disseminating images in early modern Europe, making art more accessible and contributing to the spread of knowledge and ideas. The labor-intensive nature of engraving also reflects the economic and social structures of the time, where skilled craftsmanship played a vital role in production and trade. In its fine detail and reproductive capacity, this print shows how artistic practice intersects with broader patterns of labor, commerce, and belief.