Samson Killing the Lion
c. 1492-98
Albrecht Dürer brings the biblical tale of Samson to life with astonishing detail in this early woodcut, capturing the raw moment the hero rips a lion's jaws apart. Look closely at the background—a bustling cityscape and a towering castle sit under a sky filled with meticulously carved clouds and birds, showcasing the Northern Renaissance obsession with nature and perspective. The famous 'AD' monogram at the bottom was Dürer's clever way of branding his genius, effectively making him one of the first artists to market himself as a true celebrity.
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