Christ and the Woman of Samaria (Woodcut; first state of three (Hollstein))
Original title: Christ and the Woman of Samaria
kurzbeschreibung
An undated woodcut by Lucas Cranach the Elder showing the biblical meeting of Christ and the Samaritan woman at the well. It is the first state of three (Hollstein). The subject enjoyed great popularity during the Reformation.
Description
A well with a cylindrical roof dominates the foreground, topped by a coat of arms with two shields. On the left stands Christ, bearded and long-haired, in a long-sleeved robe, a book in his left hand, his gaze on the woman. To the right at the well is a woman with an apron, holding a water vessel in her right hand and looking up at Christ. Trees, shrubs, and a landscape with buildings and a castle fill the background. The execution is monochrome in grey tones with even light and no strong shadows.
Context
Created in the early 16th century, when Cranach was active in Wittenberg as court painter to the Saxon electors. He was a close friend of Martin Luther and produced numerous biblical scenes that spread the Reformation message. The Samaritan woman at the well was a frequent motif symbolizing the encounter with the living water. The woodcut probably served as an illustration for Bible editions or as a single sheet for religious use.
Impact
Calm and balanced is the layout; the figures are clearly set apart from one another. Fine lines and the detailed landscape create narrative depth that draws the viewer into the scene. The print's plain elegance matches the Reformation ideal of intelligibility.
Technique
For printing, the drawing was cut into a wooden block and transferred to paper with printing ink. The grey tones arise from the varying density and depth of the cut lines. The first of three states is present, suggesting later reworking of the block.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)