A detailed sixteenth-century engraving by Gerard de Jode depicting the biblical figure Jephthah leading his army into battle.

This print is the first plate from a series depicting the biblical narrative of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. Gerard de Jode, a prominent cartographer and print publisher based in Antwerp, produced this work during the late sixteenth century. The composition follows the conventions of Northern Renaissance printmaking, where complex narrative scenes are organised across a wide, panoramic field. In the foreground, Jephthah is depicted on horseback, leading his troops toward the conflict with the Ammonites. The artist employs a dense network of lines to define the armour, the folds of the soldiers' garments, and the textures of the terrain. The background features a fortified town and a sprawling military encampment, providing a sense of scale to the biblical event. The inclusion of Latin text at the base of the image serves to identify the subject matter and provide context for the viewer, referencing the Book of Judges. The technique demonstrates the precision characteristic of the period, with cross-hatching used to create depth and shadow. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing the viewer to observe the movement of the army as it transitions from the foreground into the middle distance. This print reflects the interest in classical and biblical themes that occupied many artists in the Low Countries during this era. The work is a clear example of the technical skill required for copperplate engraving, where every mark must be carefully planned to ensure clarity in the final impression. The composition balances the individual figures of the soldiers with the broader military formation, creating a sense of order amidst the depiction of a historical campaign.