De Barmhartige Samaritaan 17th century

This red chalk drawing, "The Good Samaritan," was created by the Italian artist Monogrammist NB. It visualizes one of Jesus’ most famous parables, which describes how a traveler from Samaria, a social outcast, was the only one to offer compassion to a stranger in need. This image embodies the tension in the 16th century between civic duty and Christian charity, reflecting the complex social fabric of the time. Consider how the artist highlights the Samaritan, not as an idealized figure, but as an ordinary person performing an act of kindness. The detailed depiction of the Italian landscape also roots the biblical narrative in a recognizable contemporary setting, while also adding another layer of meaning. Understanding this work requires us to consider the social and institutional dynamics that shaped artistic production and reception in Renaissance Italy. Researching civic records, religious sermons, and artistic patronage can shed light on the values, beliefs, and power structures that influenced the creation of this evocative drawing.