Artwork

Christ and the Woman of Samaria

Christ and the Woman of Samaria, by Adriaen Collaert, ink, 1585
Christ and the Woman of Samaria, by Adriaen Collaert, ink, 1585

Christ and the Woman of Samaria is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1585 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Christ and the Woman of Samaria is a religious engraving by Adriaen Collaert, dated to 1585. The work depicts a serene scene set by a well, featuring four figures engaged in quiet activity, with one handling a jug. The foreground is juxtaposed with a distant, expansive landscape of a town, trees, fields, and a river, under a light sky with a visible moon or sun.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates a biblical narrative, likely referencing John 4:1-42, where Jesus encounters the Woman of Samaria at Jacob's well. The tranquil atmosphere may underscore the themes of spiritual encounter and enlightenment central to the story.

Technique & Style

Collaert employed fine-line engraving techniques to achieve detailed textures and shadows, evident in the folds of the figures' robes and the bark of the trees. This method allowed for intricate, high-contrast rendering in black and white.

History & Provenance

Created in 1585 by Adriaen Collaert, specific details regarding the engraving's commission, original audience, or subsequent ownership history are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects the Renaissance interest in biblical subjects and the development of engraving as a medium for disseminating religious imagery. The landscape elements also touch on the period's appreciation for natural settings in art.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this engraving are not provided, Adriaen Collaert's body of work contributed to the evolution of Northern European engraving techniques and the popularization of religious themes in 16th-century printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Adriaen Collaert

Artist

Adriaen Collaert

Adriaen Collaert (1560–1618) was a Flemish artist, born in Antwerp.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.