Artwork

Cristo y la samaritana en un paisaje

Cristo y la samaritana en un paisaje, by Pedro Rodriguez de Miranda, oil, 1740
Cristo y la samaritana en un paisaje, by Pedro Rodriguez de Miranda, oil, 1740

Cristo y la samaritana en un paisaje is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pedro Rodriguez de Miranda. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1740 by the Madrid‑based painter Pedro Rodríguez de Miranda, this oil on canvas presents a biblical episode within an expansive natural setting. The composition balances a modest group of figures against a distant horizon of mountains and trees, under a softly clouded sky, characteristic of the artist’s landscape‑focused approach.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman, a scene drawn from the Gospel of John. By placing the dialogue within an open landscape rather than a confined interior, the painter emphasizes the universality of the encounter and invites contemplation of spiritual exchange amid everyday surroundings.

Technique & Style

Rendered in the Rococo idiom, the painting employs a light palette and delicate brushwork to convey atmospheric depth. Subtle gradations of light across the sky and foliage create a sense of distance, while meticulous attention to the textures of garments and architectural elements demonstrates the artist’s skill in rendering material detail.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the canvas entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of 18th‑century Spanish art. Its presence in the museum reflects the broader acquisition of works by Rodríguez de Miranda, who was active in Madrid during the late Baroque period.

Context

Rodríguez de Miranda’s oeuvre is noted for integrating genre scenes and populated landscapes, aligning with a shift in Spanish painting toward more intimate, narrative compositions. This piece exemplifies that trend, merging a religious narrative with a tranquil, everyday environment, a hallmark of the period’s move toward softer, more decorative visual language.

Artist & collection

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.