Christus en de Samaritaanse vrouw 1600 - 1631

Jacob Matham created this engraving of "Christ and the Samaritan Woman," sometime between 1586 and 1631. During Matham's time, the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant social and religious upheaval due to the Reformation. This piece depicts a biblical encounter that transcends social and religious barriers. The story centers around Jesus speaking to a Samaritan woman – an interaction that defied the norms of the time, given the deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans, and the prohibition against men speaking to women in public. Matham’s composition captures the tension and potential for transformation inherent in this meeting. We see a narrative of social transgression, where religious and gender boundaries are challenged. The emotional depth conveyed in their interaction invites reflection on the possibilities of dialogue across social divides. Matham’s engraving serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individual encounters to challenge entrenched prejudices, reflecting the complexities of identity and community during the Reformation.