Christ and the Woman of Samaria 1521 - 1523

Lucas van Leyden etched this image of Christ and the Woman of Samaria during the early 16th century. The well, a prominent symbol here, goes beyond a mere source of water. It represents a meeting place, a site of revelation, and a nexus of spiritual exchange. The motif of the wellspring echoes in countless narratives across time. Think of ancient Greek oracles drawing wisdom from sacred springs, or pagan rituals honoring the life-giving force of water. This archetype resurfaces in Christian art as the "fountain of life," symbolizing purification and spiritual rebirth. Just as water quenches physical thirst, divine wisdom satiates the soul's longing. The well is a powerful metaphor for the depths of the human psyche. It invites us to contemplate how symbols resonate across cultures and centuries, constantly evolving yet forever rooted in our collective memory.