"The Good Samaritan" is a significant print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1633. This piece is a remarkable example of the artist's versatility in the printmaking medium, combining the precise linearity of etching and engraving with the rich, velvety burr characteristic of drypoint. This specific impression represents the first state of four, offering a clear view into Rembrandt’s early decision-making and technical evolution.
The subject is drawn directly from the biblical Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), a popular moral narrative in 17th-century Holland. Rembrandt stages the scene upon the arrival at the inn, the moment where the Samaritan hands the wounded victim over to the innkeeper for care. The composition is dense with narrative detail, focusing on the activity surrounding the central figures. In the foreground, various men and boys are occupied with daily chores; a young stable boy manages the heavy horses, while a dog drinks near the well.
Rembrandt’s early focus on scriptural subjects allowed him to explore intense psychological drama within intimate settings. The subtle handling of shadow and light, often using heavy cross-hatching to achieve deep tones, provides the emotional weight necessary for the narrative. This masterwork is classified among the finest 17th-century Northern Baroque prints and resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a print of such historical importance, high-resolution reproductions of this work are frequently accessible via public domain repositories.
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