Christ and the Woman of Samaria: An Arched Print

Christ and the Woman of Samaria: An Arched Print is a notable work created by Rembrandt van Rijn between 1657 and 1658. As a master of the printed medium, Rijn utilized the combination of etching and drypoint to achieve remarkable atmospheric depth and subtle shifts in texture. Etching allowed the artist to lay down fine, intricate lines, while the drypoint technique, characterized by the use of a sharp needle directly incising the plate, yielded rich, velvety burr that is particularly noticeable in the shadowed areas and figures' contours. This print classification situates the piece within the powerful tradition of narrative religious art produced in the Netherlands during the 17th century.

The subject illustrates the intimate biblical account from the Gospel of John, chapter 4, detailing the moment Christ requests water from the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and reveals his identity to her. Rijn consistently favored these focused scriptural episodes, prioritizing the psychological exchange and emotional weight over expansive historical setting. The unique arched format of the plate enhances the monumental quality of the figures, drawing the viewer’s attention specifically to the crucial interaction.

This exceptional print is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The delicate handling of line, light, and shadow demonstrates why Rijn remains one of history’s most influential graphic artists. Because of the enduring popularity and wide distribution of the artist's prints, the work’s legacy continues today, with many institutions ensuring that high-resolution images of these masterworks are available to the public domain for study and appreciation.