Who painted Samson Slays the Philistines?

Samson Slays the Philistines was painted by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1548.

Where can I see Samson Slays the Philistines?

Samson Slays the Philistines is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Samson Slays the Philistines?

Samson Slays the Philistines is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Samson Slays the Philistines

Augustin Hirschvogel , 1548

Samson Slays the Philistines is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1548 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1548, this black‑and‑white etching portrays the biblical episode in which Samson defeats a group of Philistines.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1548, this black‑and‑white etching portrays the biblical episode in which Samson defeats a group of Philistines. The composition centers on a muscular figure standing triumphantly over a heap of fallen foes, his raised arms emphasizing the moment of victory.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the dramatic climax of Samson’s battle against the Philistines, a narrative drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures. The chaotic arrangement of combatants, with some wounded and others fleeing, conveys the sudden and overwhelming force attributed to Samson’s legendary strength.

Technique & Style

Executed with fine, incisive lines, the etching emphasizes muscular definition and kinetic energy. The artist employs stark contrasts and intricate detailing of twisted trees, rocky terrain, and peripheral onlookers, creating a sense of depth and immediacy characteristic of mid‑16th‑century printmaking.

History & Provenance

The work was produced by Augustin Hirschvogel, a German artist noted for his contributions to etching, mathematics, and cartography. Between 1545 and 1549 he issued a series of thirty‑five small landscape etchings, aligning him with the Danube School, a regional artistic movement active in Bavaria and Austria.

Context

Hirschvogel’s print reflects the Danube School’s interest in detailed natural settings and narrative scenes. The inclusion of an old German caption describing Samson’s mass killing underscores the work’s original audience and its function as both a visual and textual recounting of the biblical story.