Samson and Delila 1585 - 1631

Jacob Matham’s “Samson and Delila” is an engraving, a print made by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The material quality of the print gives the scene a stark, graphic quality, ideal for depicting this dramatic biblical story of betrayal. The crisp lines create a sense of detail, from the musculature of Samson to the intricate folds of Delilah’s gown. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training. Each line had to be carefully planned and executed to create the desired effect of light and shadow. The printmaking process allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Matham's choice of this medium underscores the complex relationship between art, craft, and commerce in the 17th century, and the importance of understanding the labor and skill involved in the making of art.