Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well 1665 - 1714

Curator: Giuseppe Passeri, sometimes referred to as Passari, created this ink drawing, "Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well," sometime between 1665 and 1714. Editor: There's a delicate yet energized quality in these loosely defined ink strokes. I immediately feel the warmth of the sun on the figures, as if witnessing a fleeting moment. Curator: The composition is fascinating. Passeri uses line to create a dynamic contrast between the solid well and the ethereal background, almost dissolving into the scene’s implicit symbolism. Notice how the solidity of the well anchors the composition, visually echoing the importance of the words about to be exchanged. Editor: Absolutely, water is central to the story's unfolding. It symbolizes spiritual sustenance, baptism, cleansing… Passeri positions the woman, container in tow, almost hesitating as she stands on the threshold of this dialogue. We are given insight to the possibility for her purification through the symbol of water and words. Curator: Note the precise, calligraphic lines that define Christ's gestures and facial features. It's contrasted with the freer strokes delineating the Samaritan woman. This deliberate contrast creates a visual hierarchy emphasizing Christ’s role in this encounter. There's an emphasis on Christ as an architect of salvation. Editor: Indeed. Considering Passeri's devotion to biblical scenes, his use of ink here resonates with tradition. Ink carries a deep cultural weight – representing scholarship, writing, knowledge – essential components in relaying Christian narratives for centuries. Curator: A compelling dialogue unfolds through seemingly simple marks on paper, achieved by carefully modulating line and tone, drawing the eye through various depths. Editor: An encounter etched in time through delicate strokes, reminding us that some of the most profound human interactions happen in understated moments.