Artwork
The Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Meester van de Barmhartige Samaritaan. It dates from 1537 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The Good Samaritan is a 1537 oil painting by Meester van de Barmhartige Samaritaan, housed at the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts a scene from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, set amidst a lush, green forest landscape with distant ruins.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a pivotal moment from the parable: a wounded man, calmly enduring his injury, receives aid from a Samaritan, who tenderly supports the man’s head. A bystander (a woman with a horse) and a youthful observer are also present, highlighting varied responses to the man’s plight.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to make the central figures stand out against the vibrant, sunlit background. This technique accentuates the Samaritan’s focused expression and the injured man’s peaceful demeanor.
History & Provenance
Created in 1537, the painting is attributed to Meester van de Barmhartige Samaritaan. It is currently part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Artist & collection
Artist
Meester van de Barmhartige Samaritaan
Meester van de Barmhartige Samaritaan (1500–1600) was an artist.
