Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=1D921D5F496F3473C936B00B175099BC561776D5FADDE405C4D789E70F552081&s=24247294&se=307119930&v=5&f=1948.456_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=020A6F74289C9A8A5A3B6F97D762ACBB3EB9B1CD0486615DFFCA3B91DAFF6514&s=24247294&se=307119930&v=1&f=%5C1948.456_o2.jpg
Aug 4, 2006
Dec 1, 2005
Samson Rending the Lion
Samson Rending the Lion
1450–67
Master ES
(German, active 1450–67)
Engraving
Grace Rainey Rogers Fund 1948.456
Catalogue raisonné: Lehrs II.48.4; Geisberg 4, repr. pl; 4, p. 147
State: only state
Location
Download and Share
Description
The biblical hero Samson appears here as a fantastical medieval courtier, proving his courage and strength by slaying a lion with his bare hands. Viewers familiar with Samson’s story would have identified the courtly maiden as the woman of Timnah, a heathen who marries Samson, but betrays him during their wedding. The idea that even history’s greatest men succumbed to the power of women was a popular one in early prints.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.