Christ and the Samaritan Woman

The painting illustrates the New Testament scene (John 4:1-42) where Jesus Christ meets a Samaritan woman at a well, engaging in a conversation of spiritual significance. This episode conveys themes of tolerance, faith, and the inclusivity of Christ’s message.

Executed in oil paint, the work showcases de Troy’s mastery of the medium, characteristic of 18th-century French art. While specific stylistic details of this piece are not highlighted in available information, de Troy was known for his vivid compositions and attention to detail, likely evident in this work.

Commissioned in 1742 for Archbishop Pierre Guérin de Tencin’s archepiscopal palace in Lyon, the painting later entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, where it is currently housed.

Part of a series including The Death of Lucretia, The Judgement of Solomon, and The Woman Caught in Adultery, this painting reflects the Archbishop’s interest in artworks exploring moral dilemmas and biblical/judicial themes of the time.

As part of de Troy’s oeuvre and the Lyon museum’s collection, Christ and the Samaritan Woman contributes to the broader understanding of 18th-century French religious art and the artistic interpretation of biblical narratives during this period.