The good Samaritan

The good Samaritan is a masterful print created by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1633. Executed entirely on paper, this work showcases Rijn’s formidable skill in graphic arts during a period when printmaking served as a vital means of artistic dissemination and income. The piece depicts the climax of the famous biblical parable (Luke 10:25-37), where the benevolent Samaritan brings the severely injured traveler to an inn for rest and medical attention, fulfilling the duty of charity. This influential work is a key holding in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Rijn utilized the specific challenges of the print medium to explore dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, characteristic of the Baroque period. The composition draws the viewer’s eye toward the central act of compassion and care, which is framed by the architecture of the inn and the surrounding activity. While graphic techniques allowed Rijn to circulate his images widely among collectors, the quality and expressive detail in the drawing and texture of this impression elevate it beyond mere reproduction.

The subject matter allowed Rijn to combine deeply spiritual themes with realistic depictions of 17th-century Dutch life, an approach that resonated strongly during the Golden Age. As one of the most famous biblical prints from the artist's extensive output, The good Samaritan remains a cornerstone of graphic arts history. Today, high-quality images and prints of this historical work are widely accessible through public domain art initiatives, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study Rijn's enduring mastery in black and white media.