Christ and the Samaritian Woman 

Jacek Malczewski painted 'Christ and the Samaritan Woman' using oil paints. The work is reminiscent of the academic tradition of painting, where oil paints are meticulously layered onto canvas to create rich textures and luminous effects. Malczewski’s work demonstrates a mastery of the medium. Look at how he's handled the rough texture of the Samaritan woman’s earthenware jug, contrasting with the delicate rendering of skin tones, achieved through subtle gradations of colour. Oil paint allows for seamless blending and glazing techniques that capture a high degree of realism. The social significance of this piece lies in Malczewski's choice of materials, and the time-consuming process of layering. It is evident that Malczewski invested considerable labor into its production, making the work precious. By emphasizing the inherent qualities of the materials and the labor-intensive nature of the artistic process, Malczewski elevates the craft of painting to a level of reverence.