Italian school of the 17th century

Italian school of the 17th century.
"Jesus and the Samaritan woman."
Oil on canvas.
Relined.
Measurements: 78 x 104 cm; 97 x 123,5 cm (frame).

In this painting of baroque period, the religious theme is integrated into a vast landscape, a genre that became very important in the seventeenth century.

The scene captures the moment of the dialogue between Jesus and the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well. Jesus is seated on the stone of the well. He wears his traditional red robes (symbolizing his human nature and his future Passion) and a bluish robe (symbolizing his divinity). His gesture is eloquent: with his right hand outstretched, he addresses the woman, in full theological dialogue about the "living water".

The Samaritan woman, standing in the center of the composition, holds a large pitcher of water. Her body posture and her gaze towards Jesus denote surprise and attention to the words she is listening to.

Beyond the religious scene, the landscape occupies a central place in the composition. A large dark tree in the left foreground frames the scene and directs the viewer's gaze to the scene. The sky is wide and dramatic, with clouds illuminated by a soft, probably evening light, creating a lyrical and serene atmosphere. In the distance, a deep landscape is visible with hills, valleys and a fortified city in the distance.

The painting is aligned with the classicist baroque, a current that had its epicenter in Rome and Bologna: it sought an ideal of beauty based on order, harmony and idealized nature.