The Good Samaritan Anoints the Man Left for Dead with Oil and Water c. 17th century

Sebastien Bourdon's etching, "The Good Samaritan Anoints the Man Left for Dead with Oil and Water," depicts a scene from the biblical parable. The composition showcases the Samaritan, kneeling and pouring oil and water onto the wounds of the injured man, while a towering tower rises in the distance. The 17th-century artist's use of light and shadow highlights the scene's dramatic nature, emphasizing the Samaritan's compassion and the man's suffering. The landscape backdrop adds a sense of depth and scale, enhancing the allegorical meaning of the artwork. This work, which is housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a poignant visual interpretation of the parable, emphasizing the importance of compassion and aiding those in need.