The Good Samaritan 1743 - 1763

Pietro Monaco created this print, The Good Samaritan, in the 18th century, a period marked by significant social stratification. Monaco’s print depicts a scene from the Bible: a Samaritan aids a wounded traveler, an act of compassion that challenges the prevailing social hierarchies. This interpretation brings to the fore the Samaritan's act of kindness, which stands in stark contrast to the indifference of others, thus disrupting traditional narratives of social and religious exclusion. The print invites us to consider the power dynamics at play, where the Samaritan, often marginalized, becomes the epitome of empathy. The presence of animals underscores this disruption, emphasizing the natural instinct to care, irrespective of social standing. As you consider Monaco's print, reflect on how this narrative of unexpected compassion continues to resonate today, inviting us to confront our own prejudices and responsibilities towards those in need.