Samson Rending the Lion

1450–67
(German, active 1450–67)
Catalogue raisonné: Lehrs II.48.4; Geisberg 4, repr. pl; 4, p. 147
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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.
Samson Rending the Lion

Samson Rending the Lion

1450–67

Master ES

(German, active 1450–67)
Germany, 15th century

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