Christ and the Woman of Samaria 1571 - 1635

Suzanne de Court crafted this enameled painted dish with the scene of Christ and the Woman of Samaria sometime around the turn of the 17th century. The narrative is set around a well, a profound symbol. It is not just a source of physical sustenance but also a meeting place, and, in this instance, a place of revelation. The well, or fountain, is also the "fons vitae," the source of life, found in medieval art, symbolizing baptism, regeneration, and divine grace. The motif of the well resonates across time, echoing in Renaissance paintings, where it symbolizes purity, and even in modern art, where it might represent the subconscious. This emblem serves as a potent reminder of how symbols endure, connecting us to past generations through a shared visual lexicon. These symbols engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, unlocking collective memories. It represents a continuous cycle—appearing, evolving, and reappearing across history.