The Good Samaritan 1610 - 1620

Werner van den Valckert created this print of The Good Samaritan sometime in the early 17th century, a period of religious and social upheaval in the Netherlands. The image depicts the well-known biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. The story emphasizes compassion and selfless assistance to those in need, even to strangers or those from different social groups. It was a popular subject at the time. Van den Valckert’s choice of this particular subject matter may reflect the social and religious climate of the Netherlands at the time, where ideas about charity, community responsibility, and religious tolerance were being debated, especially within the context of the Protestant Reformation. Through careful historical research, considering the political, religious, and economic context of the time, we can begin to appreciate the many layers of meaning that this print may have had for its original audience. Art history is about understanding how art interacts with the world around it.