Samson and Delilah

Engraving, 1520 circa, unlettered.

A very good impression, printed on contemporary laid paper, with part of an unidentified watermark, paper fold at the back, otherwise very good.

Described as a copy by Bartsch, then as a second, reworked state by Hind; Hind later rectified the error.

The print is clearly an early copy of Giovanni Antonio da Brescia “Samson and Delilah”, in the same direction as the original, but without the inscription, and with other minor variations (f. e. the omission of the clouds, four fingers are visible on the hand furthest left).

Hind suggested Raphael as inventor of subject. Very rare.