Christ and the Samaritan woman

Artist Stefano Erardi Maltese, 1630 - 1716

Date1660s

Period17th century

Classification(s)

Art / Paintings

Object TypePainting

Registration NumberFAS/P/316

DescriptionThe narrative of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4 describes a meeting at a well where Jesus discloses to a Samaritan woman that he is the Messiah. After requesting a drink, he guides their conversation toward the “living water” he offers—water that grants eternal life—and reveals his intimate knowledge of her history, including her five former husbands and her present situation. Despite the cultural barriers surrounding such an interaction, this encounter transforms the woman into the first evangelist in John’s Gospel, as she returns to her town to share the good news about Jesus. The two main figures occupy the foreground of the picture flanking a well. The heads of two male figures are depicted between the main protagonists look onto the scene from behind the well. The composition is balanced and calm, while the gestures and gazes of Christ and the Samaritan Woman give the painting a subtle psychological intensity which reflects the solemnity of this event. Material

Oil on canvas

Technique

Painting

DimensionsFramed: 118 x 152 cmProvenanceAcquired from a Maltese private collection in 1932.

Alternate ID Numbers