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Samson and Delilah

Hans Burgkmair the Elder

1519

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

Samson and Delilah is a 1519 ink by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Hans Burgkmair the Elder
When & what style?: 1519 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

In this woodcut, a man and a woman are depicted in a dramatic scene. The man, Samson, is shown with his hair being cut by the woman, Delilah. She holds scissors in her right hand, while her left hand grasps Samson's hair. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and a building, with a table and chair visible in the foreground. The woman's facial expression is one of determination, while Samson appears to be in a state of distress. The use of bold lines and shading creates a sense of tension and drama in the scene. The woodcut technique is evident in the intricate details and textures of the image. This woodcut is a prime example of Renaissance art, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing a moment from a biblical story. To learn more about the technique used in this piece, explore the art of woodcutting.