Artwork

Christ and the Woman of Samaria

Christ and the Woman of Samaria, by Rembrandt, oil, 1658
Christ and the Woman of Samaria, by Rembrandt, oil, 1658

Christ and the Woman of Samaria is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the Bode Museum.

About this work

Overview

Christ and the Woman of Samaria, painted in 1658, is a religious scene by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a prominent artist of the Dutch Golden Age. The work showcases his mastery of light, shadow, and emotional depth during this period.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a New Testament scene where Jesus Christ converses with a Samaritan woman at a well. The depiction emphasizes a moment of quiet, private interaction between the two figures, conveying themes of faith and introspection.

Technique & Style

Rendered in warm, earthy tones, the scene features a woman in red attire and Christ in a dark robe, set against a backdrop of rough-hewn stone walls. The composition evokes a sense of calm contemplation, characteristic of Rembrandt's exploration of emotional depth.

History & Provenance

Christ and the Woman of Samaria is part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Context

Created during Rembrandt's period of artistic maturity, this work reflects his consistent interest in exploring religious themes through nuanced human interaction and masterful use of light and shadow.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

Bode Museum

Museum

Bode Museum

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