A 1540 engraving by German master Heinrich Aldegrever, depicting the biblical consultation between Amnon and Jonadab with precise, detailed line work.

This engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, dated 1540, depicts a scene from the Second Book of Samuel. It captures the moment Jonadab advises Amnon to feign illness to manipulate his half-sister, Tamar. As a member of the Little Masters, a group of German printmakers known for their small-scale, highly detailed works, Aldegrever demonstrates technical precision through his use of cross-hatching and fine line work to define form and texture.

The composition is structured around the interaction between the two figures. Jonadab stands, gesturing towards the seated Amnon, who reclines in a posture of feigned weakness. The architectural setting, featuring a column and a stone ledge, provides a sense of depth while keeping the focus on the psychological exchange. A tablet in the upper right corner contains Latin text referencing the biblical source, a common feature in Renaissance prints intended for a learned audience. The clothing reflects the fashion of the sixteenth century, with puffed sleeves and fitted hose, grounding the biblical narrative in the contemporary reality of the artist.

Aldegrever was active in Soest and was influenced by the work of Albrecht Dürer. His prints often explored moralising themes or classical and biblical narratives. This work is part of a series illustrating the story of Amnon and Tamar. The clarity of the engraving process allows for the depiction of subtle facial expressions and the weight of the fabric, showing the artist's ability to convey narrative tension within a confined space. The monogram and date in the lower right corner confirm the attribution to Aldegrever, who was a prolific printmaker during the mid-sixteenth century.