Battle against the Philistines, from the Story of Samson 1555 - 1585

This is a printed depiction of the Battle against the Philistines from the Story of Samson, made anonymously, likely in Europe. The image visualizes Samson's triumph over his enemies, employing a complex visual code of violence and divine power. Consider the cultural and historical associations of the bible at the time it was made. What was the role of religion in society? How might political powers use imagery of the bible to justify certain positions? Who was the intended audience for images like these? The decorative border around the central image reminds us that this scene was designed to be visually striking and engaging, as well as educational. As historians, we might look to period literature, religious texts, and social commentaries to fully understand the image's role. Art is not created in a vacuum; it is a product of its time, reflecting the values, beliefs, and social structures of the society that produced it.