A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Hans Collaert the Elder, depicting the biblical figures Samson and Samuel with narrative elements.

This hand-coloured engraving by Hans Collaert the Elder depicts two figures from the Old Testament: Samson and Samuel. Collaert, a member of a prominent family of engravers based in Antwerp, produced this work during the late sixteenth century. The composition presents the figures in a manner typical of the period, with clear labelling and Latin inscriptions providing context for the viewer. Samson is shown on the left, holding the jawbone of an ass, a reference to his biblical narrative, while Samuel stands on the right in a contemplative pose.

The background features a distant cityscape, rendered with the precise line work characteristic of Flemish printmaking. The use of hand-applied colour adds a specific aesthetic quality to the print, distinguishing it from monochrome impressions. The figures are dressed in garments that reflect the artistic conventions of the Renaissance rather than historical accuracy, a common practice in religious art of the era. The inclusion of smaller narrative scenes in the mid-ground, such as Samson wrestling the lion, provides a secondary layer of visual information.

This print is an example of the technical skill found in the Antwerp workshops, which were centres for the production of engravings for books and individual collectors. The work demonstrates the influence of contemporary print culture, where biblical stories were disseminated through accessible, portable media. The balance between the central figures and the surrounding environment creates a structured, narrative-driven image. The Latin text at the base serves to identify the subjects and provide theological context for the figures, aligning with the educational purpose of such engravings. The print remains a record of the stylistic preferences and religious focus of the Northern Renaissance, capturing the intersection of technical engraving and narrative illustration.