Samaritaan brengt de gewonde man naar een herberg c. 1588 - 1622

This etching by Jacques Granthomme, created in the 17th century, depicts a biblical scene with stark contrasts of light and shadow that sculpt each form with an almost tangible presence. The composition is structured around the diagonal ascent of the Samaritan leading the horse, creating a dynamic movement toward the distant inn. Granthomme masterfully uses line and texture to differentiate the figures and the landscape. The Samaritan and the injured man are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing their physical forms and emotional states. The background, filled with buildings and trees, adds depth and complexity to the scene, reinforcing the narrative's context. The overall effect is a carefully constructed interplay of forms, where each element contributes to a larger symbolic order. Granthomme invites us to contemplate the ethical implications of care and compassion, and the subtle power of visual language to communicate complex moral narratives.