Christ and the Woman of Samaria: an Arched Print

Christ and the Woman of Samaria: an Arched Print by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), dating from 1658, is a powerful example of the Dutch master’s late style in graphic arts. This religious scene, rendered using the complex techniques of etching and drypoint, captures the intimate biblical exchange detailed in the Gospel of John (4:4-26).

Rembrandt uses the inherent capabilities of the medium to achieve profound psychological depth. This impression, identified as the third of five known states, retains visible plate tone—a deliberate use of residual ink on the surface of the copper plate—which lends the work an atmosphere of shadowy contemplation, softening the etched lines and enhancing the velvety blacks achieved through drypoint. The arched composition focuses attention on Jesus and the woman at Jacob’s Well. The profound dialogue between these two central figures—one of the foundational encounters between men and women in the New Testament—is conveyed through subtle gestures and powerful contrasts in light and shadow.

Produced during a period when Rembrandt was exploring complex narrative expression through prints, the piece demonstrates his technical innovation and deep understanding of human emotion. This particular print is highly regarded by scholars for its clarity and condition and resides within the celebrated collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a widely studied print by this master, the work is frequently referenced in discussions of 17th-century Dutch religious art, and high-resolution images of this historic piece are often made available through public domain art initiatives.