Albrecht Altdorfer
German, c. 1480-1538
Jael and Sisera
INV-1106
Albrecht Altdorfer
German, c. 1480-15381520/25
Jael and Sisera
Albrecht Altdorfer German, c. 1480-1538 →wood engravingprint
Date
1520/25
Medium
Woodcut in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image/block: 7.2 × 4.8 cm (2 7/8 × 1 15/16 in.); Sheet: 12.3 × 9.5 cm (4 7/8 × 3 3/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer
Albrecht Altdorfer depicted the biblical heroine Jael, who killed Sisera, the captain of the king of Canaan’s army, in order to deliver Israel from his troops. She welcomed Sisera to her home when he and his soldiers were fleeing from battle and offered him food and drink. When he fell asleep, she drove a tent spike through his skull so deeply that it pierced the ground below. Jael was heralded and blessed for enabling Israel’s victory.
Also notable
Works in the same vein
Altarpiece with the Beautiful Virgin of Regensburg and Saints Christopher, Mary Magdalen, Florian and Catherine Standing in Niches, with God the Father Above
Albrecht Altdorfer German, c.1480-1538
'The Beautiful Virgin of Regensburg' with the Child on a Throne, Surrounded by Angels with Musical Instruments
Albrecht Altdorfer German, c.1480-1538
Landscape with A Double Spruce
Albrecht Altdorfer German, c.1480-1538
