A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Erasmus Quellinus II, based on a design by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the biblical struggle of Samson.

This etching depicts the biblical narrative of Samson wrestling a lion, a subject frequently explored by artists within the circle of Peter Paul Rubens. The composition is based on an invention by Rubens, as noted by the inscription 'P. Paulus Rubens inuentor' at the bottom left. Erasmus Quellinus II, a prominent Flemish painter and printmaker, executed the plate using the aqua fortis technique, which allows for the expressive, fluid line quality seen in the musculature of the figures and the texture of the lion's mane.

The scene captures a moment of physical exertion. Samson is positioned over the beast, his body twisted to exert maximum force against the animal's jaws. The background features architectural ruins on the left and a tree on the right, providing a sense of place while keeping the focus on the central struggle. The cross-hatching and varied line weights create a sense of volume and shadow, typical of the printmaking traditions in Antwerp during the seventeenth century.

Quellinus was a key figure in the Flemish Baroque, often collaborating with Rubens and other masters of the period. His ability to translate the dynamic energy of Rubens's paintings into the medium of etching is evident here. The work demonstrates a clear understanding of anatomical tension and dramatic lighting, characteristic of the era's interest in classical and biblical themes. This print offers a view into the collaborative nature of the Antwerp art market, where designs by established masters were disseminated through the technical skill of specialist printmakers. It remains a fine example of the period's graphic output, reflecting the technical proficiency and stylistic preferences of the mid-seventeenth century.