Who painted Samson and the Lion?

Samson and the Lion was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1498.

Where can I see Samson and the Lion?

Samson and the Lion is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Samson and the Lion?

Samson and the Lion is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Samson and the Lion

Albrecht Dürer , 1498

Samson and the Lion is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1498 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Albrecht Dürer’s woodcut *Samson and the Lion*, executed around 1498, presents a dramatic moment from the biblical narrative in which the hero wrestles a lion. The print, characteristic of Dürer’s early career, showcases his reputation for intricate detail and compositional vigor within the German Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the instant when Samson, depicted on his back, seizes the lion’s head as the animal rears, emphasizing the physical struggle and divine strength attributed to the biblical figure. The surrounding landscape, with a river‑side town, trees, and a distant castle, situates the encounter within a recognizable, everyday world, reinforcing the moral resonance of the story.

Technique & Style

Executed in woodcut, the work relies on crisp, intersecting lines and pronounced chiaroscuro to model form and generate tension. Deep shadows carve the musculature of Samson and the shaggy texture of the lion’s fur, while the stark contrast between light and dark heightens the sense of movement and drama.

History & Provenance

Created during Dürer’s formative period, the print contributed to his early fame across Europe, where his woodcuts and engravings were widely circulated. Though specific ownership records are sparse, the piece is documented in several early collections of Dürer’s prints and remains a reference point for his development as a printmaker.

Context

The late fifteenth century saw a surge of interest in biblical subjects rendered with heightened naturalism. Dürer’s choice of Samson—a figure embodying physical power and divine favor—aligned with contemporary devotional trends and allowed the artist to explore complex anatomy and dynamic action within a single, compact composition.