Jahel from Heroes and Heroines of the Old Testament

Art Historical Context

In the late 16th century, engraver Hendrick Goltzius, with assistance from Nicolaes Braeu created *Jahel from Heroes andines of the Old Testament part of a celebrated series depicting biblical figures. This striking engraving, dated around 1597, portrays Jahel (also known as Jael), courageous heroine from the Book of Judges who slew the Canaanite general Sisera by driving a peg through his temple, securing victory for the Israelites. Goltzius's masterful print captures her in an oval frame, emphasizing her poised strength and moral resolve amid the era's fascination with heroic narratives from scripture. As a prime example of Renaissance printmaking, the work showcases the intricate techniques of engraving, where lines are incised into a copper plate to produce rich, tonal depth and dramatic contrasts. Measuring about 17 by 12 inches, its large plate size allowed for detailed expression, making it ideal for collectors and study. Goltzius's innovative "swelling line" technique—varying line thickness for a painterly effect—elevated engravings to high art, bridging painting and print. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department through the Bequest of Phyllis Massar in 2011, this piece reflects the cultural reverence for women warriors in Protestant Northern Europe, blending religious devotion with artistic virtuosity. Visitors will appreciate its timeless portrayal of female agency in a male-dominated biblical canon.