The Good Samaritan (St. Luke, Chap. 10, verse 30)

The Good Samaritan (St. Luke, Chap. 10, verse 30) by William Hogarth, executed in 1772, is a powerful example of 18th-century British narrative printmaking. Classified as a print, this work utilizes the techniques of etching and engraving to achieve deep tonal contrasts and precise linear detail, demonstrating Hogarth’s sophisticated command of graphic media late in his career. The subject is drawn from the New Testament, illustrating the pivotal moment described in the Gospel of Luke, where a despised Samaritan stops to render aid to a traveler who has been robbed and injured on the road to Jericho.

The composition carefully balances dramatic action with quiet compassion. Hogarth details the injured Men and the Samaritan providing immediate care, highlighting the moral contrast between this act of charity and the prior indifference shown by the priest and the Levite. Horses and a faithful Dog are visible, elements that ground the spiritual parable in a tangible, earthly setting. Though focused on a sacred theme about moral obligation and the nature of compassion shown by the figure who stands in contrast to the traditional religious leaders, the print retains Hogarth's characteristic keen observation of human drama.

As a fine example of 18th-century British art, this impression is held within the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hogarth’s widespread commercial success was built upon the mass production of such powerful narrative prints, ensuring his moral and social critiques reached a broad audience. Today, due to the work's historical context, high-quality images of this masterwork are often available in the public domain, allowing for continued study and appreciation of Hogarth’s influence on subsequent generations of artists and satirists.