Christ and the woman of Samaria at the well, from the series of 112 prints of the sacred history, after the painting by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta 1738 - 1768

This print, made by Pietro Monaco, is from a series after a painting by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. The composition focuses on two figures, Christ and the woman of Samaria, set against a subtly rendered landscape. Note the contrast in textures, achieved through delicate engraving techniques. The structure of the print invites us to consider relationships and hierarchies. The woman stands tall, almost confrontational, while Christ sits below, gazing up at her. This positioning challenges conventional representations of power and gender roles. Consider the varying densities of line work. Lighter, more diffuse marks create the background, while denser, more deliberate lines define the figures, bringing them into sharp focus. This interplay between figure and ground emphasizes their presence but also subtly links them. Ultimately, this print functions as more than just a reproduction; it's an interpretation that destabilizes traditional readings of religious narratives, prompting us to question established meanings through its formal arrangement.