Samson and the Lion Brooch

Samson, from the Book of Judges, was renowned for his strength, bestowed in response to his taking Nazirite vows. His remarkable accomplishments included destroying an entire army of Philistines using only the jawbone of a donkey as a weapon, and slaying a lion with his bare hands. This latter feat made its way into medieval painting and sculpture and – as you see here – pewter brooches. This brooch was copied after an original found in Ghent, dated 1350-1400.