The Good Samaritan 

James Tissot rendered this watercolor, "The Good Samaritan," in the late 19th century, drawing from the Gospel of Luke. The narrative unfolds with the compassion of the Samaritan, symbolized by his gentle embrace of the injured traveler. This embrace echoes across centuries. Consider the Pietà, where the Virgin Mary cradles the lifeless body of Christ. The pose, laden with sorrow and compassion, speaks to a universal human experience of empathy and care. Similarly, the "Good Samaritan’s" act transcends its biblical origin, resonating with the ancient concept of "caritas," or selfless love. The emotional power embedded in this gesture engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The motif of the helping hand appears throughout history, shifting in meaning, yet always reminding us of our shared humanity. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, perpetuating the timeless message of compassion.