Christ and the Woman of Samaria

1658

For this etching Rembrandt may have been inspired by a 16th-century Italian painting of the same subject in his own collection. This is indicated by the structures in the background, chiefly the circular temple. What is new is Christ’s humble pose as he asks the woman of Samaria for water. That she has not yet recognized him as the Messiah is suggested by the dark veil of shadow covering her face.