Christ and the Woman of Samaria: an Arched Print

Christ and the Woman of Samaria: an Arched Print by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to 1658, is a superb example of the artist’s late printmaking style. Executed using a complex combination of etching and drypoint, this piece illustrates the biblical encounter between Christ and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:4-26). The arched format is unusual for Rijn’s biblical scenes, lending a focused, devotional quality to the composition, which centers the viewer’s attention on the dialogue. Rijn mastered the textures of both the figures and the detailed setting, utilizing the drypoint burr to achieve rich, velvety blacks and deep shadows that contrast sharply with the etched lines defining the architectural elements and foliage.

Created during the latter half of the Dutch Golden Age (a period spanning approximately 1651 to 1700), this work reflects the era's deep interest in detailed narrative and dramatic light management. As one of the preeminent Dutch masters of his time, Rijn continually pushed the boundaries of the print medium, utilizing the precise control afforded by etching and the deep tonal quality of drypoint to achieve a painterly effect. The skill in depicting psychological drama is evident in the subtle body language of the figures; the Woman of Samaria appears surprised yet thoughtful, while Christ’s gesture suggests profound instruction.

The detailed technique and emotional depth make this work a highly significant contribution to the history of fine art prints. This impression resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a crucial document of Rijn's final, experimental decades of artistic production. Because of its age and enduring cultural importance, high-resolution reproductions of the work are often made available for educational use, sometimes entering the public domain. Rijn’s lasting influence on graphic arts remains unparalleled, showcasing how etching could convey profound narrative depth and tonal variation.