1548
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Samson Slays the Philistines is a 1548 ink by Augustin Hirschvogel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a chaotic battle scene. In the center, a strong man—Samson—stands over a pile of fallen enemies, his arms raised like he’s just won a fight. Around him, people scramble, some lying dead or wounded, while others look shocked or scared. The background is packed with twisted trees, rocks, and a few small figures watching from the sides. The text below is in old German, describing the moment Samson kills many enemies at once. The artist used sharp lines to show muscle and movement, making the scene feel dramatic and urgent. If you like this style, check out more about etching.
Augustin Hirschvogel (1503 – February 1553) was a German artist, mathematician, and cartographer known primarily for his etchings.
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