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Samson Rending the Lion

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description Samson Rending the Lion Overview

Samson Rending the Lion is a woodcut by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, made around 1497 to 1498. Based on the biblical account in Judges, it shows Samson astride the animal and forcing open its jaws, while the finely cut mane, muscular figures, and forceful posture demonstrate Dürer's early command of woodcut line and tonal detail.

help Samson Rending the Lion FAQ

When did Albrecht Dürer make Samson Rending the Lion?

Dürer made the woodcut around 1497-98, during the early part of his career in Nuremberg. The print is an example of how he pushed the woodcut medium toward the level of detail associated with engraving.

Which biblical story does Samson Rending the Lion show?

The image comes from Judges 14:6, where Samson tears a lion apart after being seized by the spirit of God. Dürer shows Samson astride the animal and forcing open its jaws without using a weapon.

Why is the lion's mane so important in the print?

Dürer builds the mane from carefully tapered black lines cut into the woodblock, creating unusually rich tonal variation. That technical detail makes the animal's hair one of the most striking parts of this 1497-98 woodcut.

How is Samson positioned in Dürer's composition?

Samson stands on the lion's back with one foot pressed into its neck while he pulls the jaws apart. The twisting pose turns the biblical act into a concentrated display of physical force and divine power.

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