De Doot van Simson (...) / de Benjaminiten Schaken zig ider eene huisvrouw (...)
1791
Medium
etching
Dimensions
194; 326
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 3937
Art Historical Context
**De Dood van Simson and the Benjamites Seizing Wives** Pieter Tanjé's etching *De Doot van Simson (...) / de Benjamen Schaken zig id eene huisvrouw* (1791) captures two dramatic biblical scenes from the Old. The upper section depicts the death of Samson, the mighty judge who topples the Philistine temple upon himself (Judges ), while the lower illustrates the Benjamites each seizing a wife from the dancing daughters of Shiloh to replenish their tribe (Judges 21). Measuring 326 × 194 mm, this print exemplifies 18th-century Dutch reproductive engraving, likely after earlier paintings, showcasing Tanjé's skill in translating dynamic narratives into intricate line work. As a master etcher active in the Netherlands, Tanjé (1706–1761) specialized in historical and religious subjects, blending Baroque drama with emerging Rococo elegance. Though dated 1791—posthumously—this work reflects the enduring popularity of biblical illustrations for moral edification and private devotion. Etching's fluid lines and tonal depth allowed Tanjé to convey motion and emotion vividly, making complex stories accessible to collectors and households. On the verso, a collector's mark (Lugt 3937), associated with the esteemed French bibliophile Pierre Firmin-Didot, underscores its provenance among elite 19th-century connoisseurs. This piece invites visitors to ponder timeless themes of strength, retribution, and tribal survival through masterful printmaking heritage.
About the Artist
Pieter Tanjé · 1706–1761
**Pieter Tanjé (1706–1761)** was a Dutch reproductive engraver active in the eighteenth century. Born in Bolsward, he initially worked as a shipmate on the shipping service between his hometown and Amsterdam. In his spare time, he engraved designs for snuff boxes, an activity that proved so successful that it led to his artistic training. Encouraged by Jacob Folkema, Tanjé enrolled at the age of ...