The Tournament with Samson and the Lion 1509

This woodcut, "The Tournament with Samson and the Lion," was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Here, the composition is a dense layering of figures, with knights on horseback dominating the foreground. The energy is palpable through the dynamic lines that define the forms, from the plumed helmets to the horses' textured manes. Cranach's use of line is particularly striking; it's both descriptive and expressive. The lines create a sense of depth. The density of the scene is broken up by the viewing box, drawing attention to Samson wrestling with the lion. The woodcut is a powerful demonstration of how printmaking can capture intricate detail and narrative complexity. It reflects a broader cultural interest in spectacle and heraldry. The tournament is not merely a display of martial skill, but a performance of social status and cultural values.