Christ and the Woman of Samaria c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, held in the Harvard Art Museums, depicts "Christ and the Woman of Samaria," by an anonymous artist. Editor: My initial reaction is to the stark contrast. The artist really emphasized the tension of the encounter. Curator: Indeed. Anonymous prints like this one likely circulated widely, fulfilling a demand for affordable religious imagery in a rapidly changing society. Editor: It's also interesting to think about the power dynamics: Christ, a Jewish man, speaking openly with a Samaritan woman, challenging social norms. Curator: Absolutely. The woman's position near the well is significant; water being a symbol of spiritual life. Editor: It speaks to the artwork’s enduring message of transcending societal boundaries. Curator: A beautiful reminder that art invites ongoing reflection and dialogue, even centuries later. Editor: It certainly does. It's a powerful example of art’s capacity to provoke conversations across time.