Samson and the Lion

Samson and the Lion by Albrecht Dürer is a foundational work in the history of German graphic arts, executed as a woodcut sometime between 1492 and 1503. This early production period places the print shortly after Dürer’s initial travels and establishment as a master of the medium in Nuremberg. The work dramatically elevates the technical demands of the woodcut, a medium traditionally considered less refined than engraving. Dürer’s skill is evident in the complex modeling achieved through varying line density and careful cross-hatching, demonstrating a mastery that allowed his prints to circulate widely throughout Europe.

The subject matter, derived from the Old Testament Book of Judges, captures the heroic feat of Samson tearing apart the lion. Dürer focuses on the raw energy of the struggle, emphasizing Samson's powerful physique and the dramatic contortion of the beast. This blend of Northern attention to texture and detail with the idealized, muscular figures learned from Italian Renaissance models defines Dürer’s pivotal contribution to the artistic evolution of Germany. The resulting tension between man and animal makes this one of the most recognizable graphic depictions of the story from the late 15th century.

An excellent impression of this influential piece currently resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of its early date, the image is now firmly in the public domain, a status that ensures this seminal artwork remains highly accessible for study and appreciation, demonstrating Dürer’s enduring legacy across centuries of printmaking tradition.