The Good Samaritan
1633
In a biblical parable of selfless charity (Luke 10:25-37), a Samaritan helped a traveler of another faith who had been attacked by robbers, stripped, and beaten. The Samaritan helped him onto his own horse, took him to an inn, and paid for his lodging. Rembrandt shows the arrival at the inn and devotes attention to the commonplace activities of decent people. The squatting dog was the kind of earthy detail that Rembrandt did not hesitate to insert into solemn religious images.
This print is based on Rembrandt's painting of the same theme in the Wallace Collection, London.
Etching and drypoint
10 3/16 x 8 9/16 in. (25.8 x 21.8 cm)
Norman and Amelia Davis Collection
61.82
Provenance: [Alan G. Thomas Bookseller, Bournemouth, England]; purchased from dealer by Norman Davis, Seattle, December 1, 1960; gift from Mr. and Mrs. Davis to Seattle Art Museum, April 17, 1961