Samson Killing the Lion c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Noël Eugène Sotain's "Samson Killing the Lion," a stark image rendered entirely in monochrome. Editor: The density of the cross-hatching creates a visceral texture, almost like feeling the lion's coarse fur and Samson's straining muscles. Curator: Notice how Sotain uses linear perspective to establish depth, drawing the eye from the foreground struggle to the distant architecture. The sharp contrast between light and shadow amplifies the drama. Editor: I am curious about the woodcut medium, it speaks to an artistic process deeply connected to labor. One can imagine the time spent carving the intricate lines. Curator: The composition is masterful, creating tension, mirroring the biblical narrative through formal elements. Editor: Absolutely, and the printmaking process allows for wider circulation, disseminating this particular vision of strength and conquest to a broader audience. Curator: Indeed, the formal qualities serve to amplify the thematic resonance. Editor: A testament to the power of image and its material origins.