The Good Samaritan 1650

Luca Giordano painted ‘The Good Samaritan’ during a time when religious narratives were often used to convey moral lessons and social values. In this artwork, Giordano offers a visual interpretation of a well-known parable. He invites us to consider the emotional and social dimensions of compassion and the importance of helping those in need, regardless of their background. The painting challenges the viewer to reflect on the cultural and ethical implications of the story. Who is considered a neighbor, and what are our obligations to those who are different from us? The Good Samaritan wasn't just performing an act of kindness, but was crossing social boundaries, challenging prejudices, and affirming the dignity of a fellow human being. The emotional depth of this encounter, the Samaritan’s act of empathy towards a stranger, has a lasting impact, echoing through centuries.