Abe Lincoln, The Good Samaritan 1943

Horace Pippin's "Abe Lincoln, The Good Samaritan" presents us with a stark winter scene, dominated by the figures of Lincoln offering his hand to a man who has collapsed while chopping wood. Pippin intertwines the figure of Lincoln with the parable of the Good Samaritan, transforming Lincoln into a universal symbol of compassion. The outstretched hand, a gesture as old as time itself, echoes in countless depictions of charity and aid, from ancient Roman reliefs to Renaissance paintings of saints. This gesture, however, is more than mere action; it is the embodiment of empathy, a bridge built between two souls. The act of offering help is rooted in our collective unconscious, evoking a primal sense of connection. Pippin's painting touches on this deep-seated human impulse, reminding us of our shared responsibility to alleviate suffering. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet it remains an essential part of our humanity.