Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Eglise Saint-Sulpice de Fougères (detail) 1919

Curator: Here we have a detail from a stained glass window designed by Ludovic Alleaume, created in 1919. The work, entitled "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman" is found in the Église Saint-Sulpice de Fougères. Editor: Well, my first thought is... fragile. Not just because it's glass, but the woman's whole posture, the gentle colors, it all feels so delicate, as if a harsh word might shatter the whole thing. Curator: It’s fascinating how Alleaume appropriates a medieval aesthetic while working in the early 20th century. Looking through a contemporary lens, how does the pre-modern rendering impact our interpretation? The window portrays a biblical narrative but also evokes pre-modern ideals, which become part of a broader historical and cultural narrative when framed with post-First World War sensibilities. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way... post-war context mixing with a Medieval aesthetic… There’s almost a yearning here, perhaps, for simpler times, rendered even more poignant by the modern context. The bold heart—it contrasts so strongly with the muted palette everywhere else. Almost as if it’s too big for her to hold, both physically and emotionally. I wonder, what does she symbolize? Curator: That symbol of the heart invites layered readings, particularly when we think about representations of the Sacred Heart, combined with more secular ideas of the era. It speaks to the intersection of personal piety and broader theological and social constructs prevalent during and after the war, questioning idealized notions of sacrifice, especially in relation to women's experiences. Editor: Yes, there’s a quiet strength there too, isn't there? She holds this heavy heart, a tangible representation of something far larger than herself, perhaps reflecting burdens and a longing for spiritual grounding amid turmoil, but without grand gestures, simply with her bowed head and her quiet acceptance of her fate. It makes you wonder about faith… both hers and ours. Curator: That’s precisely the power of artwork, isn’t it? To offer us a space to examine these dialogues, these intersections, within and beyond ourselves. Editor: Definitely. It also goes to show that stained glass isn't just for pretty colors! There's real, raw emotion captured here. I find myself connecting with the artwork in unexpected ways.