The Good Samaritan 1530 - 1566

Hanns Lautensack made this etching called, *The Good Samaritan,* sometime in the 16th century. The parable of the Good Samaritan urges us to consider who is our neighbor, and how we respond to those in need. This story and its depiction are especially poignant when considered in the context of the Reformation. As religious and political landscapes shifted, communities faced displacement and conflict, compelling artists to reconsider traditional religious narratives through a contemporary lens. Here, the Samaritan, often seen as an outsider, defies social norms to aid a stranger, challenging viewers to question their own biases and consider the humanity in those deemed "other." The dense forest, a space of both danger and refuge, becomes a stage for empathy and action. Reflecting on this image, we're invited to consider how acts of kindness and compassion can transcend social and religious divides, providing solace and hope in times of uncertainty.