Samson Killing the Lion

Samson Killing the Lion is an iconic woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1492 and 1498. This early work of the German master depicts the Biblical hero Samson engaged in mortal combat, wrestling the ferocious lion that attacked him near the vineyards of Timnath, a pivotal event detailed in the Book of Judges. Dürer’s mastery of the demanding woodcut technique revolutionized printmaking, transitioning the medium from simple illustration to high art. He achieved remarkable detail and depth; the deep cross-hatching and varied line work give texture to the lion’s thick mane and accentuate the hero’s muscular form, defining the dynamism characteristic of the emerging German Renaissance style.

Executed early in his career, before the turn of the century, this piece reflects Dürer’s burgeoning skill and his commitment to classical proportions blended with the rigorous graphic tradition prevalent in Northern Germany. The dynamic composition focuses tightly on the immediate struggle, with Samson wrenching the lion’s jaws apart, communicating immense physical effort and spiritual victory.

The work is often considered part of a larger series dedicated to the life of Samson, utilizing the print medium to distribute religious and heroic narratives widely among the public. The accessibility afforded by woodcuts ensured that Dürer’s revolutionary style reached broad audiences across Europe, contributing significantly to his rapid international fame. This particular impression of the work is preserved within the esteemed prints collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.