Artwork
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Guercino. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1620, this oil painting by the Italian Baroque artist Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino, portrays the biblical encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman. Executed in the early phase of his career, the work displays the vigorous naturalism that characterizes his youthful style, before he adopted a more classical equilibrium in later years.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents the two figures amid a modest landscape: Christ, distinguished by a red robe and blue mantle, engages the woman, who sits beside a well, clutching a rope and bucket. The interaction references the Gospel of John, emphasizing themes of spiritual revelation and the breaking of social boundaries.
Technique & Style
Guercino employs a restrained palette of earthy tones, allowing the muted colors to convey a quiet intimacy. His handling of light and shadow—chiaroscuro—gives the figures a palpable volume, while the soft modeling of flesh and drapery reflects the artist’s early naturalistic approach.
History & Provenance
After remaining in Italy for several centuries, the painting entered the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, where it is currently displayed. Its provenance traces a path from private ownership in the 18th‑19th centuries to acquisition by the museum in the mid‑20th century.
Context
The work belongs to the early Baroque period, a time when Italian painters emphasized dramatic narrative and realistic detail. Guercino’s depiction aligns with contemporary religious commissions that sought to make sacred stories accessible to viewers through vivid, humanized portrayals.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (8 February 1591 – 22 December 1666), better known as (il) Guercino (Italian pronunciation: ), was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna.
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Woman of Samaria
Christ and the Samaritan woman